The Texas Longhorns have somehow become the new Cinderella team in the NCAA Tournament this season, but it just doesn't feel quite right calling them that. While their seed makes them that, Texas is a team that has given people some serious headaches, both on the court and in their bracket challenge.
Head coach Sean Miller has coached his team well in the NCAA Tournament, but will he have enough in the tank to get one more for the Longhorns to make it to the Elite Eight? Vegas Oddsmakers don't think so, as Texas comes in this matchup as the underdog to Purdue.
Final odds, spread, and total for Texas vs. Purdue in the Sweet 16
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Texas: +7.5 (-115)
- Purdue: -7/5 (-105)
Moneyline
- Texas: +265
- Purdue:-345
Total
- O/U: 147.5 (-115/-105)
Player specific odds for Texas vs. Purdue in the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament
- Dailyn Swain (TEX): +/- 16.5 points
- Matas Vokietaitis (TEX): +/- 15.5 points
- Tramon Mark (TEX): +/- 14.5 points
- Jordan Pope (TEX): +/- 13.5 points
- Trey Kaufman-Renn (PUR): +/- 18.5 points
- Braden Smith (PUR): +/- 15.5 points
- Fletcher Loyer (PUR): +/- 14.5 points
- Oscar Cuff (PUR): +/- 10.5 points
- C.J. Cox (PUR): +/- 8.5 points
Dailyn Swain has been the go-to guy for the Longhorns this season, averaging 17.4 points per game, and he has done well in the tournament thus far. The Texas starters as a whole have done well, hence the projection of double-digit points for four guys.
The biggest thing for Texas, though, will be keeping Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith in check. If those two guys get going, this game could get out of hand quickly.
Final score prediction: Texas 68, Purdue 73
Lots of Texas fans are probably going to see this prediction and wonder how it doesn't have the Longhorns winning. Well, Texas has had a fantastic run in the NCAA Tournament, especially being a First Four team and having to be in a play-in game to just get to the Round of 64.
However, the Longhorns have played a lot of basketball in the last week and Purdue might just have enough firepower to take out the last remaining double-digit seed. While Texas is going to put up a great fight, I predict the Longhorns will fall just short of the Elite Eight.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.