Yale Bulldogs vs Texas A&M Aggies Prediction – 3/20/2025

The NCAA Tournament's first round features an intriguing contest between the 13th-seeded Yale Bulldogs and the 4th-seeded Texas A&M Aggies. Scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:25 PM Eastern Time at Ball Arena in Denver, this game presents a compelling matchup between two teams with contrasting styles and recent histories.

Yale Bulldogs vs. Texas A&M Aggies Game Preview

Yale enters the tournament with a 22-7 record, having dominated the Ivy League with a 13-1 conference mark. The Bulldogs secured both the regular-season and tournament titles, showcasing their offensive prowess by averaging 81.7 points per game. Their shooting efficiency is notable, converting 49% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range. Key contributors include John Poulakidas, who leads the team with 19.2 points per game, Nick Townsend with 15.4 points and 7.2 rebounds, and Bez Mbeng, the Ivy League Player of the Year, averaging 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Defensively, Yale allows 69.7 points per game, indicating a balanced approach on both ends of the court.

Texas A&M, with a 22-10 record, finished fifth in the highly competitive SEC. The Aggies have faced challenges recently, losing five of their last seven games, including a double-overtime defeat to Texas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. Offensively, they average 74.3 points per game, shooting 41.6% from the field and 31.1% from beyond the arc. Their strength lies in rebounding, leading the nation with 16.2 offensive rebounds per game. Wade Taylor IV spearheads the offense with 15.7 points and 4.3 assists per game, while Zhuric Phelps adds 14.1 points and five rebounds. Defensively, the Aggies allow 67.9 points per game, relying on their physicality and rebounding to control the game tempo.

Betting Insights

As of the latest odds, Texas A&M is favored by 7.5 points, with an over/under set at 139.5 points. The moneyline stands at -319 for Texas A&M and +250 for Yale. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Yale's Recent Performance: The Bulldogs have won 16 of their last 17 games, demonstrating strong form heading into the tournament.
• Texas A&M's Struggles: The Aggies have lost five of their last seven games, raising questions about their momentum.
• Yale's Shooting Efficiency: Ranking 12th nationally in field goal percentage and 15th in three-point percentage, Yale's shooting could exploit Texas A&M's average perimeter defense.
• Texas A&M's Rebounding Dominance: Leading the nation in offensive rebounds, the Aggies' ability to generate second-chance points is a significant factor.

Yale Bulldogs vs. Texas A&M Aggies Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical profiles of both teams, this matchup appears closer than the seeding suggests. Yale's efficient offense and recent success contrast with Texas A&M's rebounding strength and recent struggles. While the Aggies' physicality and depth may ultimately secure them a victory, the Bulldogs' shooting prowess and momentum suggest they can cover the 7.5-point spread. Therefore, the recommendation is to take Yale +7.5, anticipating a competitive game that stays under the 139.5-point total.