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The Missouri Tigers seem like a possible bubble team for the NCAA Tournament at this point, and would love to improve their status with some key wins down the stretch. A big opportunity arises this week as they hit the road to face off against the Texas A-M Aggies.
Texas A-M played very well in the non-conference season, knocking off a pair of ranked foes, but has stumbled badly in SEC play. The Aggies are also hoping to make March Madness so this is a pivotal game for both sides.
It could be a close one, but Texas A-M figures to have the edge as it is playing at home in this matchup. Missouri is coming off a big win over a ranked Tennessee club and would love to keep it rolling.
This war on the floor will go down Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 4 p.m. ET at Reed Arena. This game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Saturday schedule.
Odds Analysis
Missouri is 13-5 straight up and 10-7 against the spread. The Tigers have covered in half of their four road games this season. Missouri is 4-1 against the spread as the underdog on the year.
Texas A&M is 12-6 straight up and 6-9 against the spread. The Aggies have played seven games at home and have covered in only one of them. Texas A&M is 3-7 against the spread as the favorite.
Key Stat
5. That was the conference losing streak Texas A&M was able to snap last time out, but the Aggies are still tied for last in the SEC. They finally got rid of the goose egg by squeaking past Mississippi by two points. Tyler Davis had 20 points and hit the final basket to help the Aggies come away with the win.
It’s not like Texas A&M was playing poorly. It lost by one point to LSU and then by one point again to a ranked Kentucky team among the five losses.
Nevertheless, the team hus dug itself a hole and now will need to scratch and claw its way out of it. The Aggies had wins over No. 11 West Virginia and No. 10 USC in non-conference so obviously the capability is there to come away with wins against strong opponents.
Player To Watch
Jordan Barnett —Missouri’s best chance of winning this one on the road could ride on the shoulder of its senior forward. Barnett is having a nice season. He is averaging 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field, 41.6 percent from three-point range and a sparkling 92.3 percent from the free throw line.
Barnett has been willing to do what is asked of him, scoring in bunches in some games and being more unselfish in others. He is one of the go-to guys because much-hyped freshman Michael Porter, Jr. has missed almost the entire season with a back injury and may not play this year.
If Missouri is to make it to the tournament, it will be because Barnett and Kassius Robertson lead the way.
Free NCAA Men’s Basketball ATS Picks
Both of these teams have dealt with their ups and downs on the year and are fighting for a March Madness berth. Every win is critical and this seems like it should be a good game between a pair of pretty evenly matched teams.
When in doubt, roll with the home team. The Aggies are the choice to grab another much-needed conference win. However, expect it to be very close. Keep an eye on the spread because Missouri might be the right choice to cover if it enters as the underdog.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: Texas A&M 71, Missouri 69
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