Very few things on the sports calendar can match the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. So why not add betting to the mix via the college basketball odds at FanDuel Sportsbook?

The 2024 edition of the big dance has arrived, and here at FanDuel Research, we'll have you covered with a betting guide for each game.

Purdue is looking to make a statement in this year's NCAA Tournament. They'll get their first chance to do so against No. 16 Grambling, who just fought their way into the bracket.

All college basketball odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook, and lines may change after this article is published.

NCAA Tournament Betting Picks

Grambling vs. Purdue Betting Odds

Date and Time: Friday, March 22nd at 7:25 p.m. ET

Spread: Purdue -26.5 (-105)

Total: 139.5

Moneyline:

• Grambling: +3500
• Purdue: -20000

Grambling vs. Purdue Statistical Breakdown

Advanced stats from KenPom, Bart Torvik and numberFire.

Grambling

• numberFire Ranking: 266th
• Bart Torvik Ranking: 264th
• KenPom Ranking: 260th
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency Ranking: 198th
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency Ranking: 282nd
  • Adjusted Tempo Ranking: 316th

Purdue

• numberFire Ranking: 2nd
• Bart Torvik Ranking: 3rd
• KenPom Ranking: 3rd
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency Ranking: 21st
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency Ranking: 4th
  • Adjusted Tempo Ranking: 174th

Grambling vs. Purdue Best Bet

Under 139.5 Points (-110)

Following their loss in the semifinals of the Big Ten against Wisconsin, Purdue is out to prove a point in the NCAA Tournament. That all starts with the Round of 64 against Grambling.

The projections for this game back betting Under 139.5 Points for the total. numberFire's model is projecting Purdue to finish with 80.26 points and Grambling to finish with 57.24 points. That's good for a total of 137.5 points and on track for what we're looking for.

Grambling is just coming off an overtime win over Montana State to get in this game -- after having to rally in the second half to make that happen. It was a great effort for Grambling, but Purdue is a No. 1 seed for a reason.

Defensively, Purdue should be able to shut down a bad offense. Grambling is averaging only 67.6 points per game with an Adjusted Offensive Efficiency ranking of 282nd. On average, Purdue's 21st-ranked Adjusted Defensive Efficiency should be a nightmare for a team like Grambling in the first round. Overall, Purdue has allowed only 70.2 points per game to their opponents.

Purdue will run through Naismith Men's College Basketball Player of the Year Zach Edey, who has been a force on the defensive end thanks to his height. Grambling doesn't have the size to play up to Edey or stop him on either end, which is going to be a huge problem. But at the same time, it is likely going to be part of the solution to keep this game under 139.5 points.

Trying to prove a point, the defense of Purdue should be working at a high level. numberFire gives a 55.03% likelihood of the under being hit in this game, just better than the 52.4% implied probability of -110 odds.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.