The men’s 2025 NCAA Tournament is in full swing. The first round is in the books, cutting the field from 64 to 32.
Second-round action gets underway Saturday with a matchup between Purdue and McNeese in the Midwest Region.
The Purdue Boilermakers earned a 4 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket and defeated the High Point Panthers in the first round. The Boilermakers’ opponent, the 12-seeded McNeese Cowboys, pulled off an upset by knocking off the Clemson Tigers on Thursday.
Purdue ranks as the 15th-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the sixth-best offense and 60th-best defense. Meanwhile, McNeese ranks 58th overall with the 63rd-ranked offense and 59th-ranked defense.
Here’s how our experts see Saturday’s Round of 32 clash playing out. Be sure to check out USA TODAY’s complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team’s picks for every game. While you’re at it, don’t forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
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Purdue vs. McNeese picks and predictions
- Jordan Mendoza: Purdue
- Zac Al-Khateeb: Purdue
- Kevin Skiver: Purdue
- Chris Thomas: Purdue
- Paul Myerberg: Purdue
- Erick Smith: Purdue
- Eddie Timanus: Purdue
- Dan Wolken: Purdue
- Jeremy Cluff: Purdue 73, McNeese 66
- Sam King: Purdue 77, McNeese 68
It’s a clean sweep. None of our experts are expecting an upset in this matchup. Both AZ Central’s Jeremy Cluff and the Lafayette Journal & Courier’s Sam King are backing Purdue to cover the 5.5-point spread. Cluff is forecasting the under 143.5-point total, while King is calling for the over.
Purdue vs. McNeese date, start time, where to watch
- Game Day: Saturday, March 22, 2025
- Game Time: 12:10 p.m. ET
- Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island
- TV Channel: CBS
- Live Stream: Fubo – Watch Now!
Watch Purdue vs. McNeese on Fubo
Purdue vs. McNeese odds
Odds as of Friday, March 21 via BetMGM.
- Spread: Purdue -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Favorite: Purdue -250
- Moneyline Underdog: McNeese +200
- Total: 143.5
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