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\n Updated:
\nMar 20, 2026 , 04:19 PM ET<\/p>\n
\u2022 4 min read<\/p>\n
Ponnaiya’s prediction: The Boilermakers’ elite offense will steamroll the Royals and cover a huge spread in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Purdue Boilermakers guard Omer Mayer (17) celebrates a basket.<\/p>\n
The No. 15-seed Queens University Royals face the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament tonight.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Boilermakers come in with momentum after claiming the Big Ten title, and my Queens University vs Purdue predictions expect them to torch a terrible Royals defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here are my best free March Madness picks<\/a> for this West Region clash on Friday, March 20.<\/p>\n Tip-off is set for 7:35 p.m. ET from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, with the game airing on truTV.\u00a0<\/p>\n Queens University vs Purdue prediction Purdue: The Boilermakers were famously upset by No. 15 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in 2023, but they usually get the job done in the first two rounds.\u00a0<\/p>\n This team is spearheaded by Braden Smith, Foster Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, who were all on that squad and haven’t forgotten. They’ll make sure Purdue doesn’t underestimate their opponent and comes out on top.<\/p>\n Queens University vs Purdue best bet: Purdue -25.5 (-110)<\/p>\n The Purdue Boilermakers<\/a> boast the highest-rated offense in KenPom<\/a> history. They take care of the ball, shoot extremely well from everywhere on the floor, and generate second chances on the glass.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Queens University Royals<\/a> are a fast-paced team who are terrible defensively. They sit outside the top 300 in adjusted defense, opponent eFG% (54%), and defensive rebounding rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Queens is 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS against high-major opponents this season, with the only cover coming by the hook. Purdue has the firepower to build a big lead and the depth to extend it when key starters rest.<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Since we’re betting on a blowout, it makes sense to back some of Purdue’s top bench players.\u00a0<\/p>\n Freshman Jack Benter has reached 7+ points in back-to-back games, and he was highly productive early in the season against mid-major teams, scoring in double digits against Evansville, Oakland, and Kent State.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meanwhile, backup center Daniel Jacobson will use his 7-foot-4 frame to dominate an undersized Queens frontcourt.\u00a0<\/p>\n Queens University vs Purdue SGP<\/p>\n Purdue -25.5 Our Big Dance SGP: The Bench Squad<\/p>\n Let’s add Boilermakers backup point guard Omer Mayer to the mix, as star PG Braden Smith should get some rest in a lopsided win.<\/p>\n Mayer logged 2+ assists in five of his first seven games against non-conference opponents.\u00a0<\/p>\n Queens University vs Purdue SGP<\/p>\n Purdue -25.5
\nWho will win Queens University vs Purdue?<\/p>\n![\"Covers\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774041514_966_logo.png\"){kind=logo}
COVERS INTEL: Purdue coach Matt Painter has gone 17-8 ATS as a favorite in the NCAA Tournament, including sporting a 22-7 ATS in the first two rounds.<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774041514_543_google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Queens University vs Purdue same-game parlay<\/p>\n
\nJack Benter Over 5.5 points
\nDaniel Jacobson Over 2.5 rebounds<\/p>\n
\nJack Benter Over 5.5 points
\nDaniel Jacobson Over 2.5 rebounds
\nOmer Mayer Over 1.5 assists<\/p>\n
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