@SidekickPicks Sunday Play Of The Day - March Madness

The Texas Longhorns take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. Texas beat Virginia Tech in the first round 81-73. Texas brings one of the best defenses in the country into this matchup, allowing teams to score 59.5 ppg (9), forcing teams to shoot 41.2% (64), and 31.5% (80) from behind the arc. On the offensive side, the Longhorns struggle! They rank high 100s to mid 200s in every offensive category except free throw shooting.

The Boilermakers won their first game of the tournament against Yale 78-56. This Purdue team is the opposite of the Texas team they are facing today. They rank mid 100s in every defensive category, but are the best defensive rebounding team in the country. On offense, Purdue is a powerhouse! They score 80.7 ppg (7), shoot 49.7% (3) from the floor, and 39.7% from 3 (3).

• Texas is 0-4 ats following a win
• Texas is 1-10 ats in their last 11 tournament games
• Texas is 1-7 ats in their last 8 games
• Texas is 1-6 ats in their last 7 games vs a team with a winning percentage above .600
• Texas is 2-1 at a neutral site
• Purdue is 0-5-2 ats in their last 7 games following a win
• Purdue is 0-3-1 ats in their last 4 Sunday games
• Purdue is 1-8-2 ats in their last 11 games
• Purdue is 7-1 at a neutral site

Betting trends are not supportive for either team in this matchup, but I think Purdue is the much better team. Texas has not been a solid team away from home and I think they are completely outmatched in this one. Purdue has the ability to stretch you out and has strong post play. Take the Boilermakers to win and to cover!