The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies are set to clash in a high-stakes SEC Tournament second round, bringing not just their historic rivalry but also two very different narratives into this matchup. We’ll get into exactly what they look like below in my preview, prediction, pick, and best bet for this second-round college basketball game between Arkansas and Ole Miss in the SEC tournament.
Here’s how I intend to play the second of two SEC matinees before we get to the evening primetimers. I’ll be picking individual games throughout the week, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more to-the-minute, point-of-need analyses and plays throughout conference tournament week.
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Texas A&M vs. Texas preview, prediction
Texas, sitting at 18-14 overall and just 6-12 in SEC play, has endured a turbulent season under Rodney Terry. They’ve struggled with inconsistency on both ends of the floor, and that’s putting it lightly. Their offensive issues were on full display in a recent 76-72 loss to Oklahoma, where freshman standout Tre Johnson was held to just seven points, exposing the team’s lack of reliable scoring depth. That defeat solidified their disappointing conference record and cast serious doubt on their NCAA Tournament hopes.
However, in the SEC Tournament’s opening round, Texas showed flashes of resilience, to everyone’s surprise. They breezed past Vanderbilt 79-72 behind 19-point performances from both Johnson and Tramon Mark. The Longhorns built a commanding first-half lead and, despite failing to make a field goal in the final 6:17, held on for the win. When they get solid production from their stars, they’ve proven they can compete—just look at their upset over Tennessee, where Dylan Disu dominated with 24 points and seven rebounds while the team shot 52% from the field. But those performances have been rare in conference play, where Texas is just 2-8 against teams with winning SEC records.
Aggies keep buzzin’
On the other hand, Texas A&M has been a model of steadiness this season, finishing 22-9 overall with an 11-7 record in conference play under Buzz Williams. Unlike their in-state rivals, the Aggies have thrived on defensive discipline and balanced scoring, allowing them to navigate the SEC gauntlet with a clear identity. Wade Taylor IV has been the noisy, beating heart of this team, averaging 17.6 points and 3.9 assists per game. He delivered when it mattered most, dropping 27 points in A&M’s crucial win over Alabama to close the regular season. Henry Coleman III has also stepped up, averaging 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds over his last five games, giving A&M a reliable interior presence. Their ability to control tempo and execute efficiently on both ends of the floor has made them one of the more reliable teams in the league—a stark contrast to the unpredictability of Texas. The Aggies have also proven their mettle in big games plenty. They’ve pocketed wins over Auburn, Tennessee, and Kentucky—teams that Texas has struggled against all year.
Texas at Texas A&M pick, best bet
Momentum favors Texas A&M, but Texas’ talent—when clicking—shouldn’t be overlooked. That’s why the Longhorns are well-positioned to cover the +5.5 spread. While the Aggies finished the season strong with wins over Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee, they’ve also struggled in games where opponents dictate the pace. Look to their 25-point loss to Kentucky and a narrow overtime escape against Georgia. Texas, for all its inconsistencies, has played up to strong competition at times, as seen in their win over Tennessee and a narrow two-point loss to Auburn, and they have the kind of individual scoring threats who can keep them competitive late.
In a rivalry game with postseason stakes, expect Texas to play with urgency. They’ll keep this one within reach, even if A&M ultimately pulls out the win. The Aggies may have the edge in consistency, but Texas has the firepower to cover.
Best bet: Texas +5.5 (-102)
Tail Texas to keep this legacy rivalry with the Aggies close with me today in the DKN Betting Group here!
Want to approach your March Madness Bracket with the same precision as the top 1% of bracket pool winners? Check out what the PoolGenius optimizer has to offer!
