Today is the day. Purdue University begins its journey to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. After watching Duke struggle with Siena and Wisconsin losing to High Point in Thursday’s early game, it should be clearer than ever that Purdue can’t take anyone for granted. It was fascinating to see a Duke player actually say they thought this game was going to be a breeze when they came out of the second half. This mentality almost cost them. This should be a wake-up call to all the better-seeded teams. With less than 12 hours until the game, I thought now would be a good time to ask the staff for prediction clues.
Lehman:
Queens has some shooters and wants to run the ball on offense. Purdue can’t let them control the game like they allowed FDU three years ago. Purdue is the better team with better performances at every position. Purdue has to make an impact against a smaller, less experienced Royals team. I expect Brayden Smith to record an assist before the under-16 timeout, and then Purdue will battle back and forth for the first 15 minutes or so before eventually taking control. I don’t know if I’m going to give it 25.5 points, but I expect Purdue to score and win this game.
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Purdue University 93
Queens 77
Drew:
Purdue University: 101
Queens: 67
Queens came out firing from the opening kickoff and gained some momentum before Purdue broke out of the guillotine and ended the game with a devastating but fast and efficient run midway through the half.
Brayden went from the NCAA assist record to the Star assists record, Omar played significant minutes and showed Big Ten players what he has in store for them next season. Oscar Cluff led the team in scoring and had a double/double in pure offensive rebounds.
Steph Curry’s Jayce 3-pointer puts the Pacers past 100 points, sorry, Carsen Edwards, range.
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Ryan:
This is one of those games Purdue shouldn’t lose. The Boilermakers have the No. 1 KenPom offense (top 40 defense), while the Queens have the No. 78 offense and No. 319 defense. Objectively speaking, Queens’ offensive efficiency falls somewhere between Washington and Minnesota. Defensively, Queens is easily the worst-rated team in the tournament (followed by Prairie View A&M at No. 214). If Purdue’s offense is anywhere near its usual efficiency, this game will be over before halftime. I thought the Boilermakers got a huge lead and held it in the game
Purdue 104 – Queens 76
Travis:
Definitely go with Purdue. The Boilers have excelled outside of the Big Ten, and the past two years they’ve been very focused in March. FDU’s loss could be a blessing in disguise for the program, as Purdue has dominated weaker opponents in the tournament since then. I think we’ll win easily by 20 points.
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Kyle:
Queens…in New York, right? Things will get heated early before Purdue ends 2H early with a superior all-around play.
Purdue seems to be peaking again at the right time(?). Similar to the 2023 UConn team.
Boiler 85 Queens (NY) 67
Jed:
Purdue appears to have solved their problems, and the senior’s loss on Sunday could have been a cathartic release of negative energy. Queens is a solid program, but this is a game closer to Akron than anything in the B1G. 84-62 Boiler.