The No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies (20-12) challenge the No. 10 Providence Friars (21-13) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Spectrum Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 138.5 points with Texas A&M opening as a 3.5-point favorite.
Providence Friars vs. Texas A&M Aggies Free Prediction
The Friars are trying to rebound after their 76-66 loss to the No. 2 Villanova Wildcats in the . Villanova’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Providence. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.508 (below their season average of 0.600), while the Friars posted a mark of 0.426 (below their season average of 0.499). Alpha Diallo was Providence’s leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
In the , the Aggies lost a close one to the Alabama Crimson Tide, 71-70. Alabama’s 0.508 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Texas A&M, who had a rate of 0.443. The Crimson Tide’s mark was below their season average of 0.517, while the Aggies’ was below their season average of 0.513. T.J. Starks had a solid performance for Texas A&M, leading the team in scoring with 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Texas A&M should have a significant advantage. The Aggies defense ranks 14th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464), while the Providence offense is ranked 248th in effective field goal percentage (0.496).
Alpha Diallo has averaged 15.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the last five games for Providence.
Providence Friars vs. Texas A&M Aggies Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Providence, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas A&M averages 41.3 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. Providence ranks 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
The Aggies rank sixth in blocks per game (5.9) while the Friars rank 143rd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Providence ranks 145th in three pointers allowed per game (21.5) while Texas A&M ranks 228th (23.3).
The Friars rank 74th in steals per game (6.9) while the Aggies rank 146th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
Providence averages 13.8 assists per game, which ranks 141st in the nation. Texas A&M ranks 203rd in assists allowed per game (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Friars have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Providence has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
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