Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M Odds
| Wake Forest Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -108 | 144.5 -114o / -106u | +126 |
| Texas A&M Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -112 | 144.5 -114o / -106u | -152 |
If you're still craving more madness while waiting for the Sweet 16 to tip off, this NIT quarterfinal matchup is just the thing for you.
We have an ACC-SEC clash, as the Demon Deacons will take on the Aggies.
As for Texas A&M, it seems to have picked up right where it left off in the SEC Tournament. The Aggies have won their first two NIT matchups by double digits. However, the level of competition is about to be upped a notch here.
The Demon Deacons had a disappointing early exit from the ACC Tournament. This team had the talent to be in the Big Dance, but its postseason loss to Boston College really changed the perspective of its season.
Since then, Wake Forest has rebounded with back-to-back victories over Towson and VCU. Now, it'll get a surging Texas A&M team that might be getting a bit too much love in this spot.
Wake Forest to Dominate Inside
Wake Forest's calling card on the offensive end is getting high percentage looks from inside the arc. In fact, it was amongst the best teams in the country this season at doing so. The Demon Deacons were third in 2-point percentage in the nation and eighth in effective field goal percentage.
The two main cogs of their offense are ACC Player of the Year Alondes Williams and big man Jake LaRavia. Williams does it all for this team, as his unique size and skill for a point guard make him a matchup nightmare. He averages nearly 19 points, six rebounds and five assists per game.
His partner in crime, LaRavia, may also be a significant factor in this matchup. The Aggies are a team that lacks any amount of size, and LaRavia's ability to score and rebound down low will give Texas A&M fits.
While the Aggies are a solid defensive team, they rely a lot on forcing turnovers and creating extra opportunities from those giveaways. If the Demon Deacons can hold onto the rock, they will have plenty of success.
Texas A&M To Rely on Backcourt
After the departure of Marcus Williams, Quenton Jackson and Tyrece Radford emerged as the leaders of the team, and that has been the case in the NIT, as well.
Quenton Jackson is their leading scorer, and he's developed into a primetime player for the Aggies. He is a very efficient scorer, as he possesses the ability to knock down a shot from anywhere, and has done so at a near 49% rate this season.
Jackson is also a tremendous defender, as he is 65th in the nation in steals and will be tasked with guarding Williams here.
The real X-factor for the Aggies is Radford. He's an explosive player who is a real double-double threat for a 6-foot-2 guard.
Like his backcourt mate, Radford is also an efficient scorer. His rebounding prowess is also tremendous, as he's snatched 25 boards in the first two NIT matchups. His rebounding ability will be crucial in this matchup, as the Aggies look to be outmatched inside.
Overall, it will be up to Jackson, Radford and even Wade Taylor IV to work for quality looks and try to rack up trips to the line — as they usually do. However, it is much easier said than done, as the Demon Deacons are 59th in effective field goal percentage.
Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M Betting Pick
Texas A&M is getting a ton of respect from the bookmakers here, as it opened as short favorites. But clearly, the wrong team is favored.
The Deacs have the edge in nearly every aspect of this matchup, and as long as they can avoid hurting themselves with turnovers, they should come away victorious.
