#2 Purdue vs. #15 Queens Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#2 Purdue takes on #15 Queens at the Enterprise Center in a West Region clash. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The No. 2 seed Purdue Boilermakers enter March Madness® with immense momentum after securing their fourth Big Ten Tournament title with an 80-72 win over Michigan. They face the No. 15 seed Queens (NC) Royals, who are making their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in their first year of eligibility after transitioning from Division II. Queens punched their ticket with a thrilling overtime victory in the ASUN Championship, setting up a clash between one of the nation's most consistent programs and a hungry tournament newcomer.
To Watch the Boilermakers vs. Royals First Round game with Sling, use the link below for a 1 Day Pass subscription to truTV and add the Entertainment Extras pack.
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Purdue Boilermakers Analysis
- Season Overview: Purdue (27-8) enters the tournament as Big Ten champions, marking their 11th consecutive NCAA appearance. They rank 2nd nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and boast 17 wins against Quad 1 and 2 opponents.
- Star Player: Braden Smith (G). The Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player averages 14.0 PPG and 9.0 APG, recently pulling within one assist of the all-time NCAA career record.
- The X-Factor: Interior Versatility. Senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (13.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG) and 7-foot-4 sophomore Daniel Jacobsen provide a physical presence that a smaller Queens frontcourt may struggle to contain.
Queens Royals Analysis
- Season Overview: The Royals (21-13) feature the 19th-ranked scoring offense in the country, averaging 84.9 points per game.
- Star Player: Nasir Mann (G). The senior leader averages 13.4 PPG and 5.8 RPG, bringing valuable postseason experience to a young Royals squad.
- The Upset Formula: Three-Point Volume. Queens attempts over 28 three-pointers per game; if Chris Ashby (who made 10 threes in the ASUN final) and the Royals' six double-digit scorers get hot, they can force Purdue into a high-possession shootout.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: Backcourt Playmaking. Braden Smith’s elite distribution will go head-to-head with a Queens defense that struggles with efficiency but excels at pushing the tempo.
- Statistical Edge: Queens is one of only two teams in the nation to have six players averaging double figures, making it difficult for Purdue to key in on a single scoring threat.
- Betting Trends: Purdue opened as a massive favorite, but the high total (up to 165.5) reflects the high-scoring potential of both offenses.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Purdue Boilermakers.
- Final Score Prediction: Purdue 93, Queens 68.
- Best Bet: Purdue -24.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Boilermakers vs Royals? Purdue is a heavy 23.5 to 24.5-point favorite.
- Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Men's Tournament by subscribing to Sling Blue and watch CBS games at the NCAA website.
- What time is the Purdue game? Tip-off is at 7:35 PM ET on Friday, March 20 on truTV.
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