Utah St. vs. Texas Tech Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
Only two years removed from a heartbreaking OT loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in the NCAA title game, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are back in the NCAA Tournament. Looking to put Texas Tech out in the first round, is the Utah State Aggies. The Aggies are coming off a strong showing in the Mountain West tourney, where they lost the championship to San Diego State. Can Utah State get the upset, or will the Red Raiders pick up where they left off two years ago?
Utah St. Aggies vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
After opening as 3.5-point favourites over Utah State, the line continues to favour Texas Tech and now sees the Red Raiders as 4.5-point favourites. These teams have only met once in their histories, with Texas Tech coming out on top in 2016. While Utah State was decent against the spread this season (16-11 ATS), the Red Raiders failed to cover in 17 of their 27 games. The Aggies have been an Under team for five straight games, while Texas Tech has only hit the Over once in their last five games. Both teams have almost identical records as the favourite and as the underdog. And if you go by those records, side with the favourite.
(11) Utah St. Aggies
Before their loss to San Diego State, the Aggies had strung together six straight wins, so don’t count them out of anything. They play a similar defensive style to Texas Tech and rank in the top-10 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Utah State also has the benefit of one of the best defensive players in the country, Neemias Queta. The seven-footer leads the team in points per game (15.1), rebounds (10) and blocks (3.2). Justin Bean has also contributed to the Aggies superior rebounding ability. Bean is averaging 11.3 points per game and 7.7 rebounds. Utah State is a tough team that and won’t give anyone an easy game.
(6) Texas Tech Red Raiders
It’s strange to think about it, but with last year’s tournament called off, Texas Tech actually played in the last NCAA Tournament game. Coming so close to a title and falling in OT is tough to forget, so expect this to be a determined team. They’re led by their defence, yet again, which is ranked No. 17 in adjusted efficiency. The Red Raiders allow just 62.6 points per game, best in the Big 12. This is a responsible team that takes care of the ball well and won’t make many mistakes. Although the Red Raiders don’t have many players that statistically jump off the page, Georgetown transfer Mac McClung was a big addition. McClung leads the team in points per game (15.7) and is second in assists (2.2) and minutes (30.1). While not as talented as they were two years ago, this team has potential to go on a run.
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