Purdue vs McNeese expert prediction for March Madness second round

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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.

More: Purdue basketball gets just enough to move to NCAA Tournament second round over High Point

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 [email protected] and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.

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Publish date : 2025-03-20 22:10:00

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