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Purdue vs. Iowa State prediction and game preview, as the No. 4 Boilermakers and No. 5 Cyclones face off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

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In the past two NCAA Tournaments, Purdue blew big leads in regulation and lost in overtime. Last year, the fifth-seeded Boilermakers were knocked off by Little Rock in double overtime. But Purdue refused to let that happen Thursday, pulling away from No. 13 seed Vermont in the second half and holding on for an 80-70 victory.

Caleb Swanigan registered his nation-high 27th double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, it was Vincent Edwards’ performance that put the Boilermakers over the top. Edwards scored 21 points while hitting 10 of 16 from the field, leading four other teammates who also scored in double figures.

Purdue will take on Iowa State in the second round, with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16 in Kansas City. The Cyclones avoid the classic 12 seed/5 seed upset by downing Nevada in the first round. Iowa State, though, had to fend off a furious comeback after holding a 13-point halftime lead.

The Cyclones, much like Purdue, had a balanced-scoring effort, but Monte Morris stole the show. The point guard finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and he’s going to be a tough matchup for the Boilermakers on Saturday.

Purdue vs. Iowa State Game Preview

Date: Saturday, March 18
Time: TBA
Venue: Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisc.
Region:  Midwest

Purdue Wins If …

… it gets another complete effort. Five players in double figures and everyone contributing led to the Boilermakers being able to hold onto Vermont. Big buckets were coming from everyone. Swanigan and Isaac Haas manned the paint defensively, and they’ll need that again against a tough Iowa State team that will try to penetrate. Carsen Edwards and Dakota Mathias combined to go 5 for 11 from 3-point range against the Catamounts.

Iowa State Wins If …

… Morris has another big game. He’s strong, quick and aggressive, and it’s going to be tough for Carsen Edwards and P.J. Washington to stay in front of him. If Morris controls the pace, the Boilermakers could be in trouble. And that’s not even accounting for Deonte Burton, who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds against Nevada. Morris and Burton are a dynamic duo that can carry the Cyclones to the Sweet 16.

Purdue vs. Iowa State Prediction

Purdue will get to the Sweet 16. Swanigan – likely in his final season with the Boilermakers – will have another big game and extend his college career, and Vincent Edwards adds 15 points and a couple big shots down the stretch.

Purdue vs. Iowa State Score Prediction: Purdue 77, Iowa State 73

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions