We won with St Joe’s as our pick just two nights back, however we must go against them here as I feel the run comes to an end at Texas A&M. Not just an end, but a convincing one at that. Lay the points with the Aggies as they send another NIT opponent packing. The Hawks have gone on an impressive 7-1 to end their schedule, and then get to this game. However all but one of those contests were either played at home, or on a neutral court. When St Joe’s enters somebody elses building this season, they’re a mediocre 6-6 straight up. Texas A&M has beaten the cream of the Big 12 crop on this floor and will easily dispose of the tired Hawks. They’ve also beaten a pair of pretty solid opponents in Clemson and DePaul to get to this game. The Aggies are 7-3 ATS at home and 6-3 ATS when pegged as the favorite. They dismiss of the Hawks in convincing fashion tonight. Play Texas A&M for two stars.
The over offers plenty of value in this matchup as Texas A&M has thrown defense out the window early in the NIT tournament. The Aggies have played a pair of up tempo games to open the NIT. In the first round they defeated Clemson 82-74 and followed that up with a 75-72 win over Depaul in round two. A&M's offense is really rolling right now, shooting 49% over their last five games. They will look to push the pace early in order to throw St. Joseph's off their game St. Joe's relies on their defense to win basketball games. However they are much more successful on their home floor where they are able to control the pace. Expect them to be playing from behind in this one as the Aggies jump out of the gates quickly. The Hawks are a capable team from behind the arc. The Aggies control the tempo in this one. Expect the final score to easily surpass 130 points. Take the over for two stars.