The Houston Cougars, the No. 2 seed in the South Region, are set to meet No. 10 Texas A&M in the second round of March Madness in Oklahoma City later today at 4:10 p.m. on TNT. The Cougars (29-6) rolled over Idaho 78-47 behind freshman star Kingston Flemings; The Aggies (22-11) bounced off No. 7 St. Mary’s on Thursday in the opening round. Here is a prediction, preview, odds, and key storylines to get you ready for tipoff on Saturday.
Houston vs. Texas A&M Updated Odds
Houston opened as a 10-point favorite with the over/under opening at 141.5 total points. The line has moved to Houston -10.5 (down from 11) and the over/under up to 143.0 or 143.5 total points.
Key Storyline: Does Bucky Ball End With Houston?
Bucky McMillan and Texas A&M surprised St. Mary’s with a rigorous defensive effort in Thursday’s first-round win. The Gaels turned the ball over 18 different times, and the Aggies capitalized inside for 28 points in the paint. It’s McMillan’s second time coaching in the NCAA Tournament (the other at Samford, 2024).
Match Up to Watch: The Senior and the Freshman
Rashaun Agee will be the chief name on Houston’s scouting report for freshman Chris Cenac Jr. (0.5 bpg) and junior Joseph Tugler (1.5 bpg). Agee is the center of what the Aggies do inside and flirted with a double-double (22 points and nine boards) against St. Mary’s. Expect a fun matchup for whoever gets Agee.
Prediction: Houston 75, Texas A&M 65
Houston has enough speed to deny Texas A&M’s defense from becoming a major factor in this contest. We know the Aggies can score in high numbers, but how long does their defense hold out against a roster as dynamic as Houston? Historically, Houston’s built for this kind of pressure, and it certainly feels like Texas A&M is working with too little to carve out a winning scenario here.
