Purdue basketball prediction vs McNeese: Who has edge in March Madness second round
PROVIDENCE, R.I. − Purdue basketball gets an extended stay in New England after its first round NCAA Tournament win over High Point.
Now the Boilermakers face a tougher challenge.
If the Sweet 16 wasn't incentive enough for Purdue, the next round is in Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Boilers would have a healthy home contingent if it gets there.
First, Purdue has to worry about second round opponent McNeese, a 69-67 winner over Clemson.
Scouting the McNeese Cowboys
McNeese is making its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance after falling to Gonzaga in the first round a year ago. Until it beat Clemson on Thursday, McNeese was 0-3 in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Will Wade already reportedly is off to North Carolina State once the Cowboys' season ends. He's now 5-5 in the NCAA Tournament, having previously coached VCU and LSU in March Madness.
McNeese (28-6) won the Southland Conference regular season and tournament titles and takes a 12-game winning streak into its matchup with Purdue.
The Cowboys are led by Southland Player of the Year Javohn Garcia, a senior guard averaging 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals, as well as 6-foot-6 senior forward Christian Shumate (10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks), the league's Defensive Player of the Year.
Purdue vs. McNeese prediction: March Madness second round
Did Purdue dodge a bullet with Clemson being upset?
Or are the Boilermakers at the mercy of losing to another double-digit seed?
Any team that wins an NCAA Tournament game is capable of winning another and Purdue will (again) be a popular upset pick.
Purdue didn't shoot well from 3 against High Point. I anticipate that to change on Saturday.
Prediction: Purdue 77, McNeese 68
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue vs McNeese expert prediction for March Madness second round
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