As Purdue travels to UCLA, the Boilermakers are firmly on the top-16 seed line, boasting a 17-4 record and a 7-3 conference mark. Their impressive quad record, featuring six wins against Quad 1 opponents, has them well-positioned for a high seed in the tournament. Meanwhile, UCLA, with a 14-6 overall record and a 6-3 conference record, is looking to strengthen its own tournament resume, currently ranked 42nd in the NET rankings.
The Bruins' recent form has been inconsistent, with a loss, win, and win in their last three outings, but they've been perfect against Quad 4 opponents. Purdue, on the other hand, is riding a three-game win streak, with their quad record showcasing their ability to perform against top-tier competition. According to the CHD Scout prediction, Purdue is favored to win by 1.3 points, with UCLA having a 45.2% chance of pulling off the upset.
CHD Scout Prediction
Purdue
75
UCLA
74
With both teams having a lot to prove, this matchup matters significantly in the context of the tournament. A win for UCLA would not only bolster their tournament case but also provide a much-needed Quad 1 victory. For Purdue, a road win at UCLA would further solidify their top-16 seed position. Given the narrow margin predicted by the CHD Scout, this game is expected to be closely contested. I predict Purdue will edge out UCLA 75-74, with their strong performance against Quad 1 opponents ultimately giving them the edge they need to secure the win.