The stage is set for an exciting matchup in the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament as the Purdue Boilermakers prepare to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Purdue, riding high on a record-breaking season, aims to continue their winning streak against NC State, who secured their spot in the Final Four for the first time since 1983.

The Boilermakers, with an impressive 33-4 record, surpassed their previous school record of 30 wins when they defeated Utah State in the second round of "The Big Dance." Their journey to the Final Four was solidified with a hard-fought 72-66 victory over Tennessee in the Midwest Region final. Led by senior center Zach Edey, who recorded a career-high 40 points and 16 rebounds in that game, Purdue showcased their dominance and secured their place in the school's third Final Four appearance.

On the other side of the court, the Wolfpack (26-14) have been making their own mark in the tournament. Their path to the Final Four was sealed with a convincing 76-64 win against Duke in the South Region final. Senior forward DJ Burns Jr. and senior guard DJ Horne spearheaded NC State's second-half comeback, combining for 49 points and leading their team to victory.

When the two teams clash at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, the Boilermakers will enter the game as 9-point favorites, according to the latest odds from SportsLine. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 146.5.

SportsLine's Projection Model, which has a track record of success, has weighed in on the matchup. With a simulation of 10,000 Div. I college basketball games, the model has been on a roll with its top-rated picks, returning significant profits to its followers. In this season alone, the model boasts a strong 32-21 (+890) record on top-rated spread picks and ranks in the 92nd percentile among all CBS Sports Bracket Challenge entries.

As the anticipation builds, both teams have key players who can make an impact. Purdue's Zach Edey's remarkable performance against Tennessee, earning him the distinction of being one of four players in the last 60 years to score at least 40 points and grab 15 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game, will be instrumental to the Boilermakers' success. Meanwhile, NC State's dynamic duo of DJ Burns Jr. and DJ Horne, who both achieved 20-point games against Duke, will be aiming to carry their team to victory once again.

The model's predictions for this highly anticipated matchup are eagerly awaited, with fans and bettors looking to make informed decisions. SportsLine's model has shown a preference for the total points scored to go over, projecting a combined score of 151 points. Additionally, the model has identified a side of the spread that hits in a significant majority of its simulations, offering valuable insights for bettors.

Only time will tell as the Purdue Boilermakers and the NC State Wolfpack battle it out for a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament Championship game. The excitement is palpable, and basketball fans will be eagerly tuned in to see which team will emerge victorious and advance to the championship stage.