2024 March Madness Round 64 Lines: Texas A&M vs. Nebraska Odds and Pick

 

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Two teams who solidified their NCAA Tournament berths with big conference tournament runs will square off in the “Big Dance” on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa, as the 10th-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the 7th-seeded Texas A&M Aggies in the Midwest Bracket. Penn State lost in the Big 10 championship game to Purdue, while Texas A&M was defeated by the overall #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

We will now preview each of the two teams, and then we’ll give you our betting predictions for this Round of 64 contest. Keep reading for college basketball lines, analysis, and a free pick for Penn State vs. Texas A&M.

2023 March Madness Round of 64 Game
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Texas A&M Aggies Betting Preview

Penn State of Big Ten meets Texas A&M of SEC in NCAA Tourney First Round
ATS Odds: Texas A&M -3
Moneyline Odds: Penn State +130 / Texas A&M -161
Over/Under Odds: 134.5 -110
When: Thursday, March 16 at 9:55 pm ET
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA
TV / Streaming: TBS

Why Bet on #10 Penn State against #7 Texas A&M?

Prior to the Big 10 Tournament, many experts looked at Penn State as a “bubble” team. They had finished in the lower half of the Big 10 standings during the regular season, but had come on strong late in the season. After their Big 10 Tournament run where they defeated Illinois, Northwestern, and Indiana, while taking Purdue to the brink in the title game, the tournament committee deemed Penn State a tournament-worthy team.

Led by one of the best guards in the country in Jalen Pickett, the Lions are ready to make a run. They have surrounded Pickett with a group of sharp shooters, so his penetration and kick style of play will give his opposing teams fits. Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry has done a great job of rebuilding the Penn State program, and his name always seems to come up when bigger jobs open.

The Penn State Nittany Lions live and die by the three-pointer, so they have the potential to win this one by 20, or lose it by 20. They have three players that shoot greater than 40% from beyond the arc, so this will be a big concern for Texas A&M.

Why Bet on #7 Texas A&M against #10 Penn State?

Prior to the new year, Texas A&M looked like a team headed for a berth in the NIT . After the start of 2023, the Aggies have been one of the best teams in the country, losing just three regular season games after January 1st.

The Texas A&M Aggies now have a chance to continue on their journey, as they take on Penn State. Buzz Williams has his team playing hard-nosed basketball. They are very physical on the defensive end of the floor, and they run a lot of set plays on the offensive end. The key to A&M winning will be their ability to slow down Pickett and control Penn State’s perimeter shooting.

Unfortunately for Texas A&M, they’re ranked 82nd in the nation in stopping the three-pointer. Williams will have to find a way to get his defense to do better at stopping the shots beyond the arc.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Texas A&M Aggies Final Betting Prediction

When this game opened, Texas A&M was favored by 3.5 points. Since then, there has been a lot of Penn State love, and the line is now A&M -2.5. We’re going to give some love to Penn State as well. We think their style of play will give the Aggies issues, and they will win this game outright. 

March Madness Round of 64 Pick: Texas A&M win game outright | Bet Penn State vs. Texas A&M Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

 

 

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On Thursday, two of the more underrated teams in their respective conferences throw down then the St. John’s Red Storm takes on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Also on Thursday, Murray State heads to Texas A&M and South Carolina hosts Colorado State. See below for analysis and free College Basketball Betting picks for six of Thursday’s top NCAA Men’s College Basketball games.

Nebraska Takes on St. John’s in Big Ten Versus Big East Clash | Men’s College Basketball Betting Picks

NCAAM Basketball

When: Thursday, Nov. 17

Murray State Racers at Texas A&M Aggies

In their first game of the season, Murray State looked awful. The Racers faced Saint Louis and it didn’t end well. Murray State lost 68-91.

The Racers bounced back in their next game, beating Lindsey Wilson, Lindsey isn’t a single person FYI, 90-53.

Texas A&M is much better than the multiple person Lindsey Wilson. The Aggies are 2-0 SU and ATS after dusting Louisiana-Monroe and Alcorn State. A&M make it 3 straight SU and ATS wins to open the season.

NCAAM Pick: Texas A&M Aggies

Colorado State Rams at South Carolina Gamecocks

After 3 games, Colorado State is already 3-0. The Rams beat Gardner-Webb, Weber State, and Southeastern Louisiana.

South Carolina is also 2-0. But unlike the Rams, SC already has a decent victory, a 60-58 win over ACC squad Clemson. South Carolina should bring Colorado State down to earth with a cover victory.

NCAAM Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks

Nebraska Cornhuskers at St. John’s Red Storm

2-0 Nebraska throws down against 3-0 St. John’s in what projects as the days most competitive college hoops game. The Cornhuskers allow 63.5 points per while averaging 77 each game.

St. John’s scores 90.3 points and allows 71 each time the Red Storm takes the floor. Nebraska must travel to Carnesecca Arena in Queens, NY to take on St. John’s. The venue gives the Red Storm a huge advantage. St. John’s wins and covers.

NCAAM Pick: St. John’s Red Storm

Wichita State Shockers at Richmond Spiders

In the past, Wichita State versus Richmond would have been a massive contest. Both schools have solid basketball programs.

But on Thursday both Wichita and Richmond step onto the court after embarrassing losses. The Shockers fell to Alcorn State by 9 points as a -16 chalk in their last.

Richmond lost to Charleston by 2 points. The Spiders beat Charleston against the spread because Richmond was a +2.5 road dog.

Richmond has the edge because this is on their court. But Wichita State is much better than they showed versus Alcorn State. The Shockers bounce back with a win and cover.

NCAAM Pick: Wichita State Shockers

New Orleans Privateers at LSU Tigers

In their first game of the season, Butler trounced New Orleans 89-53. The Privateers won their second game, beating St. Francis 65-63.

LSU is 2-0 but the Tigers have not covered in either game. LSU should win this, no problem. Backing the Tigers to cover what should be a ridiculous spread is another story. New Orleans is the play ATS.

NCAAM Pick: New Orleans Privateers

Central Michigan Chippewas at Minnesota Golden Gophers

After losing to Marquette in their first game, Central Michigan bounced back with a victory and cover against Eastern Illinois.

Big Ten squad Minnesota is 2-1 after 3 games. The Gophers played well in wins versus Western Michigan and another college called St. Francis.

But against Big East team DePaul, Minnesota failed to score more than 53 points in an embarrassing 16-point loss as a 1-point underdog.

The Gophers should bounce back in this. Minnesota wins and covers.

NCAAM Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers

 

 

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Fifth-ranked Iowa can’t win the Big Ten regular-season title, but the Hawkeyes can still finish as high as second – which is important for conference tournament seeding. They will be huge favorites Thursday on the NCAAB odds against a bad Nebraska side. Iowa is +1600 to win the national title.

How to Bet Nebraska at Iowa NCAA Basketball Odds & TV Info

When: Thursday, 9 PM ET
Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: BTN+
Radio:com
Opening NCAAB Lines: TBA (Iowa will be heavy favorite)

Last Meeting

It’s the only scheduled meeting of the season – they were to play on Jan. 24 but it was postponed. Last year, they split two games. Iowa rolled in the home meeting 96-72. Joe Weiskamp had 30 points on 10-for-15 shooting and Luke Garza 22. The Hawkeyes opened the second half with a 25-8 run to put the game away.

Why Bet on Nebraska? | 2021 NCAA Basketball Expert Analysis

The Huskers (7-17) announced that leading scorer Teddy Allen left the team early Monday yet then went out and upset visiting Rutgers 72-51 as 9-point underdogs. The Huskers shot 51 percent compared to the Scarlet Knights’ 38 percent shooting to seal the win. It was basically over at the half with the Huskers up 43-25.

“I thought we had our two practices coming into this game, I thought our guys were locked in,” Coach Steve Pikiell said. “And we didn’t play that way. We have to be a lot better. A tip of the hat to Nebraska, they’ve been playing well and in a good rhythm. Lat Mayen starts off the game and makes every three, that gets them off to a good start. They took us out of what we wanted to do. Now, we have four days to get ready now for Minnesota on their Senior Day.”

Lat Mayen had a career-high 25 points for the Huskers. Mayen hit 9-for-11 from the field, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range, as Nebraska led wire to wire. He had 20 of his points in the first half. Mayen was one of three Huskers in double figures, as Derrick Walker posted a career-high 14 points and six rebounds, while Trey McGowens added 12 points and five assists.

Nebraska’s 21-point win was its largest in Big Ten play since a 87-63 win over Rutgers on Feb. 6, 2016. Prior to tonight, NU’s last 20-point win in Big Ten play was a 72-52 win over No. 23 Michigan on Jan. 18, 2018. NU led by as much as 30 in the second half, while its 18-point halftime lead was its largest in conference play since the 2015-16 season.

Nebraska outrebounded Rutgers 38-28, as the +10 was its best effort in Big Ten play and matched its best performance against a Division I opponent in 2020-21 (also McNeese State). It is the first time NU has out-rebounded a conference opponent by 10 or more board since the 2018-19 season. Nebraska had 19 assists for the second straight game, matching its highest total in Big Ten play this season.

It’s not clear why Allen (16.4 ppg) left the program. Nebraska was Allen’s third Division I program in a mercurial career. Coach Fred Hoiberg mentioned last week that Allen had been bothered by a wrist issue.

Why Bet on Iowa? | 2021 NCAA Basketball Expert Analysis

Iowa (18-7) was a 73-57 winner at No. 4 Ohio State on Sunday. The Buckeyes jumped out of the second-half gates with a 14-2 run to cut a 42-28 lead for Iowa at the half to 44-42 in favor of the Hawkeyes with 16:49 on the clock. Iowa then built the lead back to 10 at 61-51 (8:38) and the Buckeyes were not able to get it into single digits the rest of the way.

Iowa had lost its previous three games vs. top-five opponents this season. It was Iowa’s first win on the road with both teams ranked in the AP Top 10 since 1989 when the ninth-ranked Hawkeyes won at No. 6 North Carolina. It was Iowa’s seventh over a ranked opponent of the year, tying Kansas for the most in the country this season.

“This is a huge win for our group,” said Iowa superstar Luka Garza. “To be able to beat a team like that on their home floor, it is impressive for us and it’s huge for us with seeding in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.”

Garza led all scorers with 24 points, making 10-of-16 field goals, and he grabbed 11 rebounds to notch his 11th double-double of the season. Joe Wieskamp scored 19 points, making 7-of-13 field goals with five 3-pointers.

Senior Jordan Bohannon passed Jeff Horner to become Iowa’s all-time assists leader with an assist on a Wieskamp 3-pointer with 2:28 left in the first half. Bohannon finished the game with five assists, giving him 615 career assists.

Iowa has lost top reserve Jack Nunge to a season-ending injury. Nunge played in 22 games this season, leading the team in scoring (7.1) and rebounding (5.3) off the bench. It is the second time Nunge has suffered a season-ending knee injury the last 16 months.

Expert College Basketball Prediction

Iowa 84, Nebraska 70

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MyBookie Odds for the Games

 

 

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#12 ranked Auburn heads to College Station, Texas, to take on SEC rival Texas A&M on Wednesday, January 16. The Tigers have played about as well as any team in the conference. Can they thump the Aggies as a road favorite? Or, will A&M prove best on their court?

Auburn vs Texas A&M NCAAB Lines & Expert Pick

When: Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 8:00 pm ET
Where: Reed Arena, College Station, TX
TV: ESPNU
Radio: Auburn / Texas A&M
Live Stream: WatchESPN
ATS Odds: Auburn -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under Total Odds: 149 (-110)

Why #12 Auburn Tigers are a good bet -4.5?

Auburn only has 3 losses this season. 2-of-3 losses were to ACC teams: 72-78 to Duke as an 11-point underdog, and 71-78 to North Carolina State on the road as a -1.5 favorite. The other loss was to underrated Ole Miss on the road 67-82.

After the Rebels dominated, Auburn bounced back with a massive 93-78 win over Georgia. The Tigers aren’t unbeatable, but they’ve taken care of business against inferior teams. Texas A&M is an inferior team.

Why Texas A&M Aggies a good bet +4.5?

Texas A&M was on a 3-game losing streak before stepping it up against Alabama on the road in their last. The Aggies beat the Crimson Tide 81-80 as a 7-point dog.

A&M should use the win to turn their season around. The turn around might have actually started in the game before. Kentucky beat the Aggies 85-74 at Rupp Arena, but A&M covered. If Texas A&M can get off to a good start, they could upset Auburn on Wednesday night.

Auburn vs Texas A&M Final NCAAB Betting Analysis

Texas A&M did upset Alabama, but they’re at a serious disadvantage on the defensive end. The Auburn Tigers can flat out shut down teams while the Aggies have yet to get into a defensive rhythm this season.

With that being written, A&M steps it up against top competition. Almost as important, Auburn has a tendency to truly play to its competition’s level on the road. The Tigers have yet to show they can carry the same intensity they show in home games to away contests. That gives the Aggies the edge in this.

NCAAB Betting Pick: Texas A&M Aggies +4.5

 

 

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The Texas A&M Aggies are learning the hard way about the difficulties of staying at the top of the College Basketball National Rankings. Entering this week, the Aggies boasted of a 7-0 record in conference play, along with a stellar 17-2 overall mark, which saw them climb to No. 5 in the National Rankings, the highest ranking ever in the program’s history. And just when it seemed like Aggies had a chance of running the SEC table with a flawless mark, the unranked Arkansas Razorbacks shocked the NCAAB odds by beating Texas A&M 74-71 on Wednesday Night, bringing an end to the Aggies 10-game winning streak.

Iowa State @ Texas A&M NCAAB Betting Preview and Picks

When: Saturday, January 30, 2PM EST
Where: Reed Arena, College Station, Texas
TV: ESPN
Radio: Tunein.com
Opening NCAAB Odds: TBA

Why Bet on Iowa State

While the Aggies were having a forgettable night against the Razorbacks, the Cyclones were busy making cherished memories in Iowa, where they upset the #4 Kansas, 85-72. This was Iowa’s fourth straight win, improving their season record to 16-4 (5-3 in Big 12). The Cyclones will be hoping to stay in winning ways, led by the versatile duo of guard Monte Morris and forward Georges Niang, who combined for 40 of Iowa’s points in the blowout home win over Kansas.

Other than Texas A&M’s slightly superior record for the season (17-3, 7-1), the Cyclones are better than the Aggies in all the important offensive statistical categories, as detailed below:

Cyclones – Aggies

With such numbers, along with motivation of having beaten three of the top four teams in this week’s top 25 (which includes the upset win over the No. 1-ranked Oklahoma one week ago), you can expect the Cyclones to be fired up in their quest for a road win over the Aggies.

Why Bet on Texas A&M

Despite suffering their first conference loss, the Aggies still have a lot going on in their favor, which will be a shot in the arm for them in the quest for a bounce-back win. For starters, besides their 74-67 home loss to Syracuse earlier in the season, the Aggies haven’t suffered any other loss at home. Moreover, The Aggies are very good at sharing the ball, ranked at #8 in the nation in assists per game (18.5). Comparably, the Cyclones are ranked 27th in the nation in the same category, dishing out 16.8 assists per game.

Even more importantly, Texas A&M owns a much-superior defense when compared to Iowa State. While the Cyclones are good at scoring, they are often hard-done by their leaky defense that is allowing a whopping 73.6 PPG (tied for #226 in the nation). The Aggies, meanwhile, are giving up just 64.3 PPG (tied for an impressive 33rd ranking in the nation). It is because of this solid D that the Aggies have been able to win more games and grind out results even against high-scoring teams, something that should be possible this weekend, especially if they can avoid the many fouls that doomed them to the loss against Arkansas.

MY NCAAB Picks and Final Score Prediction

The Aggies use their defense to keep the Cyclones in check in the first half, but Niang and Co. explode for a strong second half to hand Texas A&M its second straight loss in as many games.

*My College Basketball Picks: Iowa State for SU and ATS

*My Predicted Score: Iowa State 75, Texas A&M 71.