The Colorado State Rams (25-10) take on the Texas Longhorns (20-12) in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday. Tip-off from Spectrum Center in Charlotte is set for 6:50 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s'lines around the Colorado State vs. Texas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Colorado State earned the 10 seed in the Midwest Region by crushing Virginia 67-42 in First Four action Tuesday, easily cashing as a 3-point favorite. Both F Joel Scott'(23 points, 11 rebounds) and G Nique Clifford'(17, 10) recorded double doubles, and the Rams held the Cavaliers to a paltry 14 of 56 from the field (25 FG%).
No. 7 seed Texas last played March 13, losing 78-74 to Kansas State in the 2nd round of the Big 12 Tournament. G Max Abmas, who leads Texas in scoring (17.1 points per game) and is 2nd in the Big 12 in FT% (91.6), led the Longhorns in defeat with 26 points.
These schools last met back on Dec. 15, 1952, and it was Texas who prevailed 63-46 in Austin. The Longhorns are going for their 3rd straight NCAA Tournament first-round win, while the Rams are back in the Big Dance after missing out last year.