The set-up: ODU earned its spot in The Big Dance by defeating WKU 62-56 in the Conference USA Tournament title game on Saturday. The Monarchs won't be going down without a fight today as they look to take advantage of a Boilermakers team still reeling from a 75-73 Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals loss to Minnesota. ODU won both the regular season title and the Conference tournament title. The Monarchs average 66.2 PPG and they allow only 60.9. Purdue averages 76.2 PPG and it allows 66.8.

The pick: The Monarchs are going to run this shot clock down and make the Boilermakers work their asses off for every point. Take it for what you will as well, but ODU is 9-4 ATS in non-conference games this season, while Purdue is just 1-3 ATS this season when playing with five or six days rest. Grab the points.

9* play