Purdue vs Arizona: Game Preview and Prediction

NCAA Arizona vs Purdue Game Details

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time: 8:49 PM ET

Location: SAP Center, San Jose, CA

TV: TBS / truTV

Betting Line: Arizona -4.5

Over/Under: 156.5

Arizona vs Purdue Prediction & Game Preview

This NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup between Arizona and Purdue is a clash between tempo and execution, with one team looking to turn the game into a track meet while the other wants to control every possession with precision and discipline.

Arizona enters this matchup as one of the hottest teams in the country. Tommy Lloyd has the Wildcats playing with elite pace, athleticism, and scoring depth. They can overwhelm opponents in transition, attack in waves, and wear teams down with their constant pressure and depth. When Arizona is dictating tempo, they become one of the toughest teams in the nation to handle.

Purdue, meanwhile, remains one of the most efficient offensive teams in college basketball. Matt Painter’s group thrives in the half court, using spacing, ball movement, and smart decision-making to generate quality looks. The Boilermakers are far more comfortable in a slower, possession-based game where execution matters more than sheer athleticism.

From a betting perspective, this game comes down to pace and physicality. If Arizona can speed the game up and create transition chances, they hold the edge. If Purdue controls tempo and limits live-ball turnovers, the Boilermakers can absolutely keep this game within reach and threaten to win it late.

Arizona enters as the favorite due to its athleticism, depth, and ability to dominate in transition. Check out the Top Sportsbooks for Betting on March Madness!

Prediction Lean: Arizona pulls away late behind pace and depth.

Spread: Arizona -4.5 Total: 156.5

Game Preview

Elite 8 Purdue vs Arizona: Preview and Prediction #purdue #arizona #marchmadness

Keys to the Game – For Arizona to Win

• Push tempo and create transition opportunities

• Use depth to wear Purdue down over 40 minutes

• Force turnovers and turn defense into offense

Keys to the Game – For Purdue to Win

• Control tempo and limit total possessions

• Execute efficiently in the half court

• Protect the basketball and avoid live-ball turnovers

Game Prediction

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet Arizona -4.5

• Pace Advantage
• Athleticism
• Depth

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Expect Purdue to keep this game under control early, using disciplined half-court offense and smart decision-making to stay within striking distance. Their ability to value possessions should make this highly competitive for much of the night.

However, Arizona’s pace and athleticism will gradually begin to create separation. As the game moves deeper into the second half, the Wildcats’ depth and ability to score in transition should become the difference.

Top 4 Prop Bets

Prop Bet #1: Arizona Team Total Over 80.5 Points

Arizona’s offensive pace and ability to create fast-break chances give them a strong path to clearing this number.

EV Trigger: Strong value at 80.5.

Prop Bet #2: Purdue Team Total Over 73.5 Points

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Purdue Over 73.5 Team Points

• Efficiency
• Ball Movement
• Half-Court Execution

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Purdue’s offensive system is efficient enough to keep them productive even against a faster, more athletic opponent.

EV Trigger: Playable up to 75.5.

Prop Bet #3: Game Total Over 156.5

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Over 156.5 Total Points

• Pace
• Shot Volume
• Offensive Firepower

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With Arizona likely pushing tempo and Purdue capable of scoring efficiently, this game profiles as a high-scoring Elite Eight battle.

EV Trigger: Strong value up to 158.

Prop Bet #4: Arizona -2.5 First Half

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Arizona -2.5 First Half

• Fast Start
• Pressure
• Tempo

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Arizona’s speed and early aggression should allow them to build a small first-half edge before Purdue settles in.

EV Trigger: Playable up to -3.5.

Arizona vs Purdue – Final Verdict

Prediction: Arizona 84, Purdue 78

Best Value Bet: Game Total Over 156.5

Purdue’s experience and offensive precision will keep this game competitive well into the second half, and Braden Smith’s command of the offense should make sure Arizona never fully gets comfortable.

However, Arizona’s athleticism, pace, and depth should ultimately prove too much. Expect the Wildcats to win the transition battle, wear Purdue down late, and punch their ticket to the Final Four.

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