The Michigan Wolverines looked primed to join the long list of top-seeded teams knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by the Round of 32 last week, but somehow survived against Houston. Michigan is hoping to take advantage of this second chance by advancing to the Elite Eight with a win over the No. 7 seed Texas A&M Aggies next time out in a West Region matchup.
The Wolverines are the highest seed remaining in the region after No. 1 Xavier and No. 2 North Carolina were both upset in the second round. Michigan doesn’t have quite as good of odds as Gonzaga to win the region, but is close and if it plays well it’s easy to envision seeing the Wolverines in the Final Four.
Michigan is the favorite to win this game while the Aggies would love to follow up a dominant showing against North Carolina with another victory to make a move to the Elite Eight in NCAA basketball betting odds.
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Odds Analysis
Michigan is listed as a three-point favorite in this matchup so it’s clear either team could come away with the win. More of the action has come in on Texas A&M to cover the spread. The Aggies are listed at +130 on the moneyline and more than 85 percent of the action is heading that way, so clearly there is a groundswell of support for Texas A&M to pull out the win. The scoring total is listed at 134.5 points, with the “over” the more popular choice.
The Wolverines are 30-7 straight up and 23-12-1 against the spread on the season. Michigan has covered in six of nine attempts on a neutral court this season. The Wolverines are 16-10-1 against the spread as the favorite this season.
Texas A&M is 22-12 straight up and 15-16 against the spread. The Aggies have gone 5-2 against the spread on neutral courts this year. Texas A&M has covered six of 10 attempts as the favorite this season.
Last Time Out
Michigan trailed by two points with only a few seconds remaining in the round of 32 and Houston was at the free throw line. But the Cougars missed both shots and freshman Jordan Poole sunk a long three-pointer at the buzzer with a hand in his face to give Michigan a 64-63 victory. The Wolverines’ fortunes changed dramatically in the matter of seconds and are hoping to capitalize completely with a deep run to the Final Four.
Texas A&M jumped out to a 14-point lead on North Carolina at halftime and never let up in an 86-65 victory. The Aggies were led by T.J. Starks, who scored 21 points. Texas A&M limited the Tar Heels to just 33.3 percent shooting from the floor and 19.4 percent from three-point range. If the defense shows up again like that the Aggies will have a great shot at winning this game.
Player To Watch
Moritz Wagner —The Wolverines need more from their star big man in this one. Wagner is averaging 14.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season, shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from three-point range.
But he only scored five points in an opening-round win over Montana and then had 12 points against Houston. Wagner has a great touch down low but the Wolverines need to make it a point of getting him involved early on. Wagner can’t score in single digits in this one.
Free NCAA ATS Picks
The Wolverines are extremely lucky to be in this spot but their run will end in the Sweet Sixteen. Texas A&M is playing well and is the choice to not only cover the NCAA basketball spread but also come away with the straight upset in March Madness betting lines.
NCAA Odds: Texas A&M 71, Michigan 66
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