The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines (30-7) battle against the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies (22-12) in the Sweet Sixteen at Staples Center. The game starts at 7:37 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 22, 2018.
Michigan opened as a 3-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 133.5 points.
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Prediction
In the Second Round, the Aggies blew out the No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels, 86-65. The Aggies had a free throw rate of 0.233 (above their season average of 0.216) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.600 (above their season average of 0.512). Tyler Davis had a solid performance for Texas A&M, finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Wolverines won a close one over the No. 6 Houston Cougars in the Second Round, 64-63. Michigan had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 13.6). Houston, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (16-22; 72.7 percent). With 12 points and seven rebounds, Michigan’s Moritz Wagner put together a solid performance.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Michigan ranks 41st in offensive efficiency and Texas A&M is 59th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Aggies rank 35th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 percent), while the Wolverines rank 40th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.2 percent).
Texas A&M holds records of 22-12 straight up (SU) and 15-16 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Aggies games, with 16 overs compared to 15 unders.
Meanwhile, Michigan is 30-7 SU and 23-13 ATS. Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Wolverines games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Michigan Wolverines Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Texas A&M, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas A&M ranks third in rebounds per game (41.6) while Michigan ranks 248th (33.5).
The Wolverines rank seventh in three pointers allowed per game (16.4) while the Aggies rank 230th (23.5).
Michigan ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Texas A&M ranks 232nd (14.4).
The Wolverines rank third in steals allowed per game (4.1) while the Aggies rank 152nd (6.3).
Texas A&M ranks fifth in blocks per game (6.0) while Michigan ranks 144th (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.6 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
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