Texas A&M CC vs SEMO Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Teams Clash in NCAA Play-In Game on Tuesday
Alabama Awaits Winner
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is coming into the NCAA Tournament First Four on a high note. They have won four straight games and 12 out of their last 13.
On Tuesday, the Islanders will take on Southeast Missouri State in a matchup of teams who are vying to be the No. 16 seed in the South Region.
The winner advances to play Alabama, the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
SEMO has won its last four games and six of its last eight overall. That means both teams have momentum but which is the better option for your college basketball picks?
Islanders Rely on Offense
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 17th in the nation in points scored per game, averaging 80.4. Much of that is thanks to their star guard, Trevian Tennyson.
Tennyson is coming into this game putting up 15.7 points per game on solid efficiency from beyond the 3-point line, hitting 41.2 percent of his shots from deep. Isaac Mushila and Terrion Murdix will both be important cogs to this machine moving forward.
Mushila is putting up 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game at the forward position while Murdix is averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
While this team can run and gun, it is not great defensively. The Islanders are 236th in opponent field goal percentage. If you check the college basketball news and stats, you’ll see they have a tough time defending without fouling.
They commit 18.8 fouls per game, which is 319th. If you’re going to bet them in the sportsbook, you’re essentially hoping that they make this a high-scoring, fast-paced affair.
Backcourt Carries Load for Missouri State
There’s been no question that the guards for Southeast Missouri State have carried the load offensively. Phillip Russell is leading the way with 18.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists as the primary ball handler in this offense.
Chris Harris is another guard that plays beside him and is averaging 15.4 points, 4.7 boards, and 1.9 assists. The third and only other double-digit scorer, Israel Barnes, is also a guard.
The challenge for SEMO is that their defense is worse than Texas A&M CC. The Redhawks are 337th in points allowed, they turn it over more (325th) and they foul a lot (349th). If you bet online, you have to wonder how SEMO will get the stops they need.
Texas A&M CC vs SEMO Game Injuries
Texas A&M CC vs SEMO Head-to-Head
These two teams have yet to meet up with one another this season
Texas A&M CC vs SEMO Information
- Game: Texas A&M-CC (23-10) vs SEMO (19-16)
- Location: UD Arena, Dayton, OH
- Day/Time: Tuesday, March 14, 6:40 p.m. ET
- Texas A&M CC vs Missouri State Live Stream: TBS.com
Texas A&M CC vs SEMO Betting Lines
Texas A&M CC vs SEMO Picks and Prediction
A lot of things point to the Islanders being the better option versus the college basketball odds here. The Redhawks are 270th in the KenPom.com ratings while the Islanders are 170th.
The Islanders have won five straight against teams with a winning record and are 8-5 on the year. The Redhawks are 7-13 against teams above .500 this season.
Neither of these teams are going to go far in terms of March Madness betting as they’re likely to lose to No. 1 overall seed Alabama. However, for the First Four, the Islanders look like the better choice to cover.
Texas A&M CC is listed at -175 in our Vegas March Madness lines. So, if you wager $100 on the Islanders, there’s a chance to win $57. Missouri State is +150 with a chance to win $150 on a $100 wager. The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Islanders a 63.64% chance to win, with the Redhawks at 40.00%.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
