VCU Rams (11) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (3) Sun. March 20, 2011 7:10 p.m. EST

Coming into the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the Purdue Boilermakers (3) and the VCU Rams (11) were two completely different college basketball teams with two completely different outlooks for this tournament. The Rams were just looking for the slightest chance of making it to the first round by getting past the USC Trojans, but USC didn’t stand much of a challenge as VCU cruised to victory.

In the second round, the Rams were matched up against what was thought to be superior Georgetown Hoyas team that could wipe the floor with VCU (11), but that didn’t turn out to be the case either as the Rams dominated the Hoyas with a very impressive 18 point win.

As for the Purdue Boilermakers (3), they have had their eyes on the prize coming into this 2011 NCAA Tournament as they were given the third seed in the Southwest Region and seemed to have a solid shot of going the distance. In their first matchup, St. Peter’s didn’t stand much of a chance as the Boilermakers dominated the Peacocks from start to finish.

Coming into the third round, the Purdue Boilermakers (3) and the VCU Rams (11) will go head-to-head in a game that will determine just how good these two teams are and which one has earned the right to play in the Sweet 16 next weekend.

It’s no surprise that Purdue (3) has been given the edge in this matchup with the Rams as they are clearly the better basketball team, but with VCU (11) being as unpredictable as they have been, anything can happen in this game on Sunday in San Antonio, Texas.

As of right now, the Boilermakers are favored by -9, but I believe taking the Rams at +9 would be the best bet. VCU (11) may not get the win, but they will make it close.

The online sportsbook odds for this matchup are:

Bodog Sportsbook:
Spread: VCU Rams +9 & Purdue Boilermakers -9
Moneyline: VCU Rams +350 & Purdue Boilermakers -500
Over/Under: VCU Rams 110 Purdue Boilermakers 110 under (140)

BetDSI Sportsbook:
Spread: VCU Rams +9 & Purdue Boilermakers -9
Moneyline: VCU Rams +400 & Purdue Boilermakers -500
Over/Under: VCU Rams 110 Purdue Boilermakers 110 under (134.5)

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