Washington State vs Texas A&M | NIT Game Preview and Betting Odd

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The second game of the NIT semifinals on Tuesday night from the world’s most famous arena features Washington State of the Pac-12 taking on Texas A&M of the SEC. The winner faces either Xavier or St. Bonaventure in Thursday’s final from New York City. The Aggies are favored for this one on the NCAAB odds.

How to Bet Washington State vs. Texas A&M NCAA Basketball Odds & TV Info

When: Tuesday, 9:30 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN app
Radio: Tunein.com
Opening NCAAB Lines: Texas A&M -1.5 (total 133)

Last Meeting

It’s the third all-time meeting between the schools and the first time since 2012 the Cougs and the Aggies will face off on the hardwood. The two have each taken one matchup with the Aggies taking the 2012 game in Kansas City, 55-54. This season, the two have three common opponents as Texas A&M defeated Oregon State in the regular season while taking down Alcorn State and Oregon in the NIT. The Cougs defeated all three of the same opponents (splitting the season series with the Ducks).

Why Bet on Washington State?

Washington State (22-14) advanced with a 77-58 win at BYU last week to propel the Cougs to the tournament’s semifinals for the second time in program history and the first time since 2011.

Senior guard Michael Flowers put together one of the best single game performances in postseason history for the Cougars, scorching BYU for 27 points, the second-best scoring performance all-time for WSU in NIT play. Flowers became Washington State’s single season three-point record holder passing Klay Thompson’s 2011 record of 98 makes – Flowers went 4-for-10 on the day and left the game with 100 on the year. He has been on a tear in the NIT averaging 19.3 ppg on 45.2% shooting. Flowers has scored 2,229 points including hitting 333 three-pointers (both would be WSU records). He currently ranks 7th among all active DI players in scoring.

Dishon Jackson finished with a season high 14 points to go with 7 rebounds, while Tyrell Roberts scored 11 points all in the second half. Wazzu allowed less than 60 points or less for the 12th time on the year and is 10-2 in those games. The team committed just 6 turnovers – second best on the year – third straight time game in the NIT with sub-10 turnovers.

The Cougars have allowed 64.7 points per game on the season and are 23rd in the country in defensive rating at 93.0 per 100 possessions. (DI average of 102.9). Efe Abogidi leads the way with a defensive rating of 90.0. In the NIT the defense has been rock solid allowing just 57 ppg to three high-flying offenses. The pressure has been felt on the perimeter where the Cougs have allowed the three opponents to shoot just 15.9% (10-of-63).

The Cougars head to NYC road warriors having won two of three in the NIT away from home – the two road wins are the most in a single NIT for WSU – WSU snapped SMU’s 19-game home winning streak in round two and drilled BYU in Provo where BYU was 13-2 on the year.

The Cougars enter the semifinal round of the NIT for the second time in six tournament appearances and for the first time since 2011. All time at the NIT the Cougs are 10-5 including going 3-1 in 2011.

Why Bet on Texas A&M?

The Aggies (26-12) advanced with a 67-52 win over Wake Forest last week. Wade Taylor IV and Quenton Jackson had 12 points apiece for A&M. Tyrece Radford added 10 points and eight rebounds. Jackson, who was named to the All-SEC Second Team and All-Tournament Team, is the team’s leading scorer at 14.5 points per game, and has scored in double figures in 19 of the last 20 games. Over the last 10 games, Jackson leads the team with 17.5 points on 60.2%.

Radford has been a catalyst in the Aggies’ resurgence as he is averaging 14.0 points and 7.6 rebounds since the win against Georgia on Feb. 22.

Texas A&M held Demon Deacons to a season-low 15 points in the first half. The 15 points is the lowest the Aggies have held an opponent in the first half this season. The Aggies held Wake Forest to a 14.8 field goal percentage in the first half. The last time the Demon Deacons shot less that 20-percent from the field in a half was at Georgia Tech in 2011.

A&M won the turnover battle, forcing 21 while surrendering 12. A&M recorded 20 points off turnovers. It marked the ninth game in which the Aggies have forced 20-or-more turnovers in a game this season. Texas A&M finished with 14 steals, marking the 21st time this season they have surpassed double figures. In the paint, the Aggies outscored the Demon Deacons, 32-22. They are now 20-4 when outscoring the opponent in the paint.

The Aggies’ 26 wins tie for the third-most wins in program history. The Maroon & White have won in 10 of their last 11 games. They have recorded double-digit victories in seven of the 10 wins. In the NIT, the Aggies own a 10-7 record and will play in the semifinals of the tournament for the first time in program history.

Texas A&M ranks fifth nationally in steals per game (10.1), and 11^th in turnovers forced per game (16.9).

Game Trends

Cougars are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 neutral site games as an underdog.
Cougars are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS win.
Cougars are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
Aggies are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
Aggies are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Aggies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.