UPDATE: With Fairleigh Dickinson beating Texas Southern to advance to the first round, check out the Purdue vs FDU odds, opening spread, start time and channel for the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
With the March Madness bracket finally set, let's take a closer look at the first-round matchup between 1-seed Purdue and the winner of Texas Southern or Fairleigh Dickinson in the First Four ahead of the 2023 NCAA Tournament below.
Find one of our expert's projected odds, another's instant reaction, and how these teams match up below to start making your betting and bracket picks.
For our best bet and betting preview for Texas Southern vs Fairleigh Dickinson, check out our Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Texas Southern Odds, Picks | NCAA Tournament First Four Betting Preview (Wednesday, Mar. 15).
Projected Purdue vs. Texas Southern or Fairleigh Dickinson Odds
| Projected Purdue vs. Texas Southern Odds | Purdue -31.5 | |
| Projected Purdue vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Odds | Purdue -34.5 | |
| March Madness projections as of Selection Sunday. Find the latest NCAA Tournament projections here. | ||
Statistical Matchup
| Purdue | Texas Southern | |
| 328 | Tempo | 72 |
| OFF | DEF | |
| 75 | eFG% | 114 |
| 98 | TO% | 131 |
| 3 | R% | 148 |
| 39 | FTR | 315 |
| DEF | OFF | |
| 37 | eFG% | 336 |
| 329 | TO % | 312 |
| 14 | R% | 157 |
| 1 | FTR | 74 |
| All statistics courtesy of ShotQuality. | ||
Statistical Matchup
| Purdue | Fairleigh Dickinson | |
| 328 | Tempo | 110 |
| OFF | DEF | |
| 75 | eFG% | 357 |
| 98 | TO% | 33 |
| 3 | R% | 203 |
| 39 | FTR | 267 |
| DEF | OFF | |
| 37 | eFG% | 128 |
| 329 | TO % | 59 |
| 14 | R% | 90 |
| 1 | FTR | 295 |
| All statistics courtesy of ShotQuality. | ||
Instant Analysis
Any 16-seed is going to have an uphill climb against one of the top teams in the country, but if Fairleigh Dickinson were to advance, it’s hard to picture a team less suited to beat Purdue.
The Boilermakers have shown a real Achilles’ heel in attempting to break a full-court press over recent weeks. Surely the Knights would try, but with both starting guards for FDU standing 5-foot-9 or shorter, Purdue should be able to see passing lanes and escape pressure.
Plus, if the Boilers do break the press, no one in the Knights’ rotation is taller than 6-foot-6. Zach Edey will stand nearly a foot taller than whoever guards him.
If Texas Southern advances, the Tigers don’t score enough to hang around against a team like Purdue. Texas Southern ranks 330th in offensive efficiency and shot the third-worst mark from 3-point land this season.
Maybe there’s some regression magic coming, but that’s more likely in play in Dayton, facing FDU and the 360th-ranked defense in the nation.
For more coverage of the 2023 NCAA Tournament and Selection Sunday, make sure to check out our experts' live reactions to the bracket reveal and the Selection Sunday live show, where you can get their instant analysis on every matchup as well as some early insights to help you make your bets.
Don't forget to print out your 2023 NCAA Tournament bracket, as well — and while you're there, enter the bet 365 Bracket Challenge content for your chance to win up to $10,000,000. Enter for free at actionnetwork.com/bracket.
