Purdue vs Michigan Big Ten Tournament championship expert analysis
The Boilermakers avenged a loss to Michigan to win the Big Ten Tournament championship. IndyStar Purdue insider Nathan Baird explains why that’s important.
- The Purdue Boilermakers start the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 20, against the Queens Royals.
- Purdue is the No. 2 seed in the West Regional, where Arizona is No. 1.
- Here’s how ESPN college basketball commentator Jay Bilas sees Purdue’s results in March Madness.
Purdue basketball started the season as the national championship favorites, but the Boilermakers struggled late in the regular season. They appear to be contenders again after a four-wins-in-four-days Big Ten Tournament championship capped by a victory over top-seeded Michigan.
Purdue, which was considered a No. 3 or 4 seed just a week earlier, is the No. 2 seed behind Arizona in the West Regional. The Boilermakers open NCAA Tournament play Friday night against No. 15 seed Queens (which is not in New York, but Charlotte, North Carolina) in St. Louis.
The Boilers are getting some love from national experts, particularly CBS’ Clark Kellogg. Here’s how ESPN’s Jay Bilas sees Purdue’s prospects.
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ESPN’s Jay Bilas on Purdue basketball in 2026 March Madness: How will Purdue do in the NCAA Tournament?
- First round vs. Queens: “Queens, in its first NCAA tournament appearance, brings six players averaging double-figure scoring — but Purdue, coming off a Big Ten title and win in its rematch against Michigan in the final, is finally playing like the team we imagined at the start of the year. Braden Smith is the best point guard in the country. Purdue wins.”
- Second round vs. No. 10 seed Missouri: “The Boilermakers can give pause, but they’ve got a decent draw, and Braden Smith is the separator. He’s averaging 9.0 assists per game (second in the country) and is shooting at the best clip of his career.”
- Sweet 16 vs. No. 11 seed Texas: “The Longhorns have size and talent, but Purdue will win this game.”
- Elite 8 game vs. No. 1 seed Arizona: “While very young at key spots, Arizona is simply bigger and more talented. Purdue is more experienced and will not be afraid of Arizona. But I love the Wildcats here.”
When does Purdue basketball play in March Madness? Where does Purdue basketball play in March Madness? Purdue vs. Queens start time in NCAA Tournament 2026
The Purdue-Queens game is at 7:35 p.m. ET Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
Where to watch Purdue basketball in March Madness: What channel is Purdue basketball on vs. Queens on Friday, March 20?
The game is on TruTV.
What NCAA Tournament action on Sling
How much are Purdue basketball tickets in March Madness? How much are Purdue vs. Queens NCAA Tournament tickets?
Check Purdue ticket availability on StubHub
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