The stage is set for an electrifying Final Four matchup in Glendale, Arizona, as the Purdue Boilermakers take on the Cinderella story of 2024, the NC State Wolfpack. Purdue rightfully belongs here in this spot, and as many people expected and have in their brackets, they were the #1 seed in the Midwest and expected to go deep in the tournament. 

On the other hand, NC State is this year's media dream. They came in as the #11 seed out of the South and pretty much walked through their opponents on the way to the final four. They started off by knocking out #6 seed Texas Tech by the score of 80-67. They went on to knock out Oakland in round two by the score of 79-73.  

That led them to a matchup with ACC rival Duke, where they dominated, winning 76-64. Now, they get to try their luck against the #1 Seed Purdue Boilermakers. This will be by far the most trying obstacle to overcome, evidenced by the oddsmakers making them a 9-point dog! 

Purdue enters the fray as statistical titans, holding a commanding 33-4 record and a terrifying proficiency from beyond the arc. Their top-ranked 3-point shooting—hitting 41% of attempts—is central to their offensive strategy, making them a daunting opponent for this NC State Defense.

At the core of the Boilermaker machine is Zach Edey, the monster center whose NCAA Tournament performance is turning heads from NBA teams with anticipation of when this kid goes to the next level. Averaging a double-double with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds, Edey is not just a player; he's the pulse of Purdue's national title aspirations.

Facing them is the giant-killing NC State Wolfpack, a team synonymous with tenacity and perseverance. Their odyssey to the Final Four is the stuff of legend. Having overcome the odds in the ACC Tournament, they now stand tall as an emblem of resilience.

The Wolfpack's torchbearer, DJ Burns Jr., has bloomed into a March Madness icon, and his encounter with Edey could dictate the narrative of this game.

Purdue is the big favorite with a -9 spread, which speaks to its perceived dominance over NC State. The over/under set at 146 points indicates expectations of a high-scoring affair, with the Boilermakers heavily favored on the money line at -431 to the Wolfpack's +355.

However, the beauty of March Madness is in its unpredictability. NC State, tied for the lowest seed to reach the Final Four, has proven that betting odds are mere numbers when the ball is tipped.

Regarding spread history, Purdue is 21-15-1 ATS this season, showing some reliability for bettors favoring the Boilermakers. Meanwhile, NC State is 20-19-1 ATS overall and 11-6-2 ATS when playing the underdog role.

While the Wolfpack has danced through the brackets with the grace of a Cinderella story, the Boilermakers' depth and talent seem to be on a collision course with destiny. Our prediction aligns with the odds — Purdue is to win big. NC State's fairytale run is expected to face its final chapter against a Purdue team that has demonstrated consistency and firepower throughout the season.