Nebraska Will Have Edge Over Texas A&M

Texas A&M vs. Nebraska, 6:50 ET

Day 2, brackets have been busted, and title hopes have been dashed. That doesn't apply to everyone, of course. There is still a lot of hope for many squads out there. I am not sure what people love more, winning their bracket or seeing a Cinderella story run from underdogs. On the one hand, you root for those feel-good stories. On the other hand, money will last a lot longer than the story will. And, the reason you're reading this article is to try and win some money, so let's get to it. We will put a play on a game between Texas A&M and Nebraska.

Texas A&M made it to the tournament with a 20-14 record. They ended up finishing seventh in the SEC and lost in the Semifinals to Florida. I have to imagine that their play in the conference tournament was able to propel them at least higher in the standings. They probably would've made the tournament, but I'm not as confident that they would be a nine seed. Either way, this is where they are and now they need to focus on Nebraska. It has been an interesting stretch for them. They are 5-1 over their last six games, but just 5-6 over their last 11 games. Of their 14 losses on the season, nine of the games have been by fewer than 10 points. They have been able to get some impressive wins against Tennessee, Kentucky, and even against Kentucky again during the tournament. They have two strong guards who are their scoring leaders and do a little bit of everything for the team. Their forwards are not the best in the country, but they are decent enough that they can manage against equal competition. The guards are the only two double-digit scorers on the team. The best thing that Texas A&M has going for themselves is that they are a little deeper than most teams. Eight players see regular rotation minutes and that helps keep the players fresh for most of the game. 

Nebraska had some surprising moments this season but couldn't find a way to be consistent enough. They head into the NCAA Tournament with a 23-10 record and went 12-8 in conference play. After beating the brakes off of Indiana, they were competitive but ultimately lost to eventual Champion, Illinois. Nebraska was able to beat Purdue early in the season with a home victory over one of the best teams in the country. They also were able to beat Wisconsin, at home, in overtime. I do have a bit of concern that they won't be able to win a game on a neutral court. Outside of the tournament, they've only played one game on a neutral court and it was against Oregon State. They were able to win that game 84-63. Nebraska doesn't have quote as deep of a team, but they probably have better players overall. They have two guards that average a combined 28 points per game. Their forwards should have an edge in this game as they combine for over 24 points per game and grab around 14 rebounds per game. If they can control the glass and get some easy put backs, they should win this game. 

I think Texas A&M played some very tough competition this year and they fared well. In this game the matchups give an edge to Nebraska. The depth shouldn't be as big of a deal in a one game situation. During the regular season, it helps because players tend to get tired. In one game, which this one is - nothing before to tire them out - and nothing after if they lose, the depth isn't going to be a helpful edge. I'm taking Nebraska to win this game at -115. I think their forwards should have the edge and I even think their guards are going to cancel the Texas A&M guard production. 

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