#13 Yale vs #4 Texas A&M NCAAB Pick: Yale Seeking Another Upset (Mar 20)

• Yale secured a 90–84 victory over Cornell in the Ivy League Championship game.
• Texas A&M ended their regular season with a 22-10 record, earning them the #4 seed.
• These two teams have not met in recent history.

The Yale Bulldogs and Texas A&M Aggies are set to face off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Mar. 20, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Yale, the #13 seed, enters the tournament after clinching the Ivy League title, while Texas A&M, the #4 seed, boasts a strong season in the competitive SEC. This matchup promises an exciting clash of contrasting styles, with Yale’s efficient offense meeting Texas A&M’s physical play.

Bulldogs Clinched The Ivy Conference

The Bulldogs have had a remarkable season, finishing with a 22-7 record and securing the Ivy League championship. Their offense is notable for its three-point shooting prowess, ranking ninth nationally in three-point percentage.

Defensively, Yale is effective in limiting opponents’ offensive rebounds, ranking 22nd in defensive rebounding percentage.

Key players include senior guard John Poulakidas, who leads the team in scoring and has been highlighted as a potential breakout star in the tournament.

To secure an upset, Yale will need to maintain their shooting efficiency and control the defensive boards to limit Texas A&M’s second-chance opportunities.

The Aggies Have Been A Steady Ship

The Aggies enter the tournament with a 22-10 record, reflecting a solid season in the SEC. They are renowned for their dominance in offensive rebounding, leading the nation in offensive rebounding percentage.

However, their outside shooting has been less consistent, which could be a factor against a team like Yale that defends the perimeter well.

Key contributors include forward Henry Coleman and guard Manny Obaseki, who have been instrumental in the Aggies’ physical style of play.

For Texas A&M to advance, they will need to capitalize on their rebounding strength and improve their perimeter shooting to counter Yale’s defensive strategy.

Yale Bulldogs vs Texas A&M Aggies Pick

Texas A&M is favored by 7.5 points, with the over/under set at 140.5 points. While the Aggies’ rebounding advantage is significant, Yale’s efficient three-point shooting and defensive rebounding could neutralize this strength. Given these factors, Yale has the potential to cover the spread but ultimately in the round of 64, the Aggies take care of business.