Texas vs. Purdue odds favor the Boilermakers, but the Longhorns have enough scoring and momentum to make this Sweet 16 matchup far more dangerous than expected.
Texas vs. Purdue odds are out, and the Longhorns are stepping into the Sweet 16 as a clear underdog. Purdue opened as a 7.5-point favorite, with Texas listed at +275 on the moneyline, a reflection of both the Boilermakers’ experience and the difficult path still in front of Sean Miller’s team.
But if this NCAA Tournament has shown anything, it’s that Texas is far more dangerous than its seed suggested.
The Longhorns have already survived the First Four, knocked off BYU, and followed that with a strong win over Gonzaga to keep their March Madness run alive.
Texas has gone from simply trying to get into the bracket to becoming one of the tournament’s toughest outs, and that late-season surge is a big reason why the betting line may not tell the whole story.
Still, Purdue is favored for a reason. Matt Painter’s team enters the Sweet 16 at 29-8 and has looked every bit like a seasoned contender.
The Boilermakers are loaded with veteran production, led by Braden Smith, who averages 14.3 points and 9.0 assists per game, Fletcher Loyer at 13.8 points per contest, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, who brings 14.0 points and 8.5 rebounds a night.
Purdue also ranks near the top of the country in offensive efficiency, field goal percentage, and 3-point shooting, which makes it one of the most balanced teams left in the field.
Texas, though, has counters. Dailyn Swain has emerged as a major force, averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, while Matas Vokietaitis gives the Longhorns a much-needed interior presence with 15.7 points and 7.2 boards per game.
Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope also provide scoring punch, and that depth has helped Texas keep pressure on opponents throughout this tournament run.
So yes, the Texas vs. Purdue odds lean toward the Boilermakers. But the Longhorns have already won three straight postseason games and are playing with the kind of rhythm that can flip a bracket in a hurry.
Purdue may be the favorite. Texas has already shown it doesn’t care.
Texas and Purdue tip off inside the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on Thursday at 6:10 p.m. CT on CBS.
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