Yale (22-7) vs Texas A&M (22-10)
- When: Mar 20 2025, 7:25 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- Where to watch: TBS
March Madness Showdown: Yale vs. Texas A&M Betting Preview
One year removed from a massive first-round upset over Auburn, the Yale Bulldogs are once again in position to shake up the NCAA Tournament. Texas A&M, however, is looking to make sure lightning doesn’t strike twice for the Ivy League squad when these two teams meet in the South Region opener on Thursday night.
Yale Bulldogs: Another Cinderella Story in the Making?
Yale (22-7) is making its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance since 2016 and has proven it can compete with the big names. The Bulldogs stunned Auburn as a No. 13 seed last year, and now they get another crack at an SEC opponent in Texas A&M. The question is, can they deliver another bracket-busting performance?
The Bulldogs have been red-hot in 2025, winning 14 of their last 15 games, with their only loss coming against Harvard on March 1. They enter this contest with confidence and experience, led by a core group that knows what it takes to win in March.
John Poulakidas (19.2 PPG) is the team’s top scorer and was the hero against Auburn last year, knocking down 6 of 9 from deep for 28 points.
Nick Townsend (15.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG) is Yale’s most reliable inside presence and a key factor in their rebounding game.
Bez Mbeng (13.4 PPG) provides a two-way spark and has embraced the team’s “win and advance” mentality.
Despite playing in the Ivy League, Yale is no stranger to big-stage basketball. Princeton’s upset over Arizona in 2023 and Yale’s victory over Auburn last year show that Ivy League teams can cause problems for power conference schools. With a strong three-point shooting attack and disciplined defense, Yale could keep this game close and cover the spread.
Texas A&M Aggies: Avoiding the Upset Trap
While Yale enters this matchup riding a wave of momentum, Texas A&M (22-10) has hit some turbulence down the stretch. After a five-game winning streak, the Aggies lost four straight, including a double-overtime thriller to Texas in the SEC tournament quarterfinals.
The Aggies finished 11-7 in the SEC, but they’re well aware that Yale is not a team to overlook. After watching the Bulldogs take down Auburn last year, they know they can’t afford to take this game lightly.
Wade Taylor IV (15.7 PPG) and Zhuric Phelps (14.1 PPG) lead the Aggies’ backcourt and will need to be more efficient against Yale’s disciplined defense.
Texas A&M dominates the boards, ranking fifth in the nation with 41.2 rebounds per game. Andersson Garcia (6.2 RPG) leads a relentless offensive rebounding attack, as the Aggies average a Division I-best 16.2 offensive rebounds per game.
Three-point shooting is a concern, with the team hitting just 31.1% from beyond the arc.
The Aggies’ strength on the glass and athleticism on defense could prove too much for Yale to handle over 40 minutes. If Texas A&M controls the tempo and converts second-chance opportunities, they should avoid the upset and cover the spread.
Betting Prediction: Texas A&M Gets the Win, But Can They Cover?
This isn’t an easy game to call. Yale has proven it can handle the pressure of March Madness, and their balanced attack and three-point shooting give them an edge if this turns into a half-court battle. Texas A&M, on the other hand, has size and rebounding dominance, which could wear down the Bulldogs as the game progresses.
Expect Yale to hang around early, but Texas A&M’s depth and rebounding should allow them to pull away late. However, the Bulldogs have covered in big spots before, and the 7.5-point spread feels a bit high for a team that isn’t dominant offensively.
Final Prediction:
Texas A&M Wins, But Yale Covers (+7.5)
Lean Under 138.5 – Expect a slower, grind-it-out game
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
