Texas A&M Aggies vs Vanderbilt Commodores – NCAA Basketball Preview – February 26, 2025
The Texas A&M Aggies host the Vanderbilt Commodores at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas, on Wednesday night, with a 7:00 PM ET tip-off. Texas A&M (20-7, 9-5 SEC) sits sixth in the SEC standings, while Vanderbilt (18-9, 6-8) is in 10th place. Both teams are aiming to solidify their postseason hopes, with the Aggies looking to improve their seeding and the Commodores fighting for an NCAA Tournament bid.
The last meeting between these teams was a nail-biter, with Vanderbilt edging Texas A&M 74-73 on February 13, 2024. The Commodores snapped a three-game losing streak with a 77-72 victory over Ole Miss last Saturday, while Texas A&M is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses, including a 77-69 defeat to Tennessee.
Texas A&M Aggies Preview – Can A&M Bounce Back at Home?
Texas A&M enters this game with a strong home record of 12-2 but has struggled recently, dropping two straight games. The Aggies shot just 16.7% (5-of-30) from three-point range in their latest loss to Tennessee, underscoring a season-long issue with outside shooting. The team ranks 329th nationally, hitting only 30.6% of their three-point attempts.
Wade Taylor IV leads the Aggies with 15.0 points per game, and Zhuric Phelps adds 14.4 points. The Aggies are at their best when dominating the offensive glass, leading the nation with 15.8 offensive rebounds per game. This strength could play a pivotal role against a Vanderbilt team that lacks depth in the paint.
Defensively, Texas A&M is allowing just 66.0 points per game, and the Aggies’ ability to contain Vanderbilt’s top scorer, Jason Edwards (17.3 ppg), will be key. The Aggies need a win to stay in the hunt for a top-four seed in the SEC tournament, which would grant them a double bye.
Vanderbilt Commodores Preview – Can Vanderbilt Make Its Tournament Push?
Vanderbilt has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2017, but a win over Texas A&M would be a significant step in the right direction. The Commodores are led by Jason Edwards, who has scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Edwards is supported by Devin McGlockton (10.9 ppg) and AJ Hoggard and Tyler Nickel, who each average 9.9 points per game.
The Commodores’ primary challenge is their lack of size and foul trouble in the paint. Devin McGlockton (7.9 rebounds per game) and Jaylen Carey (5.8 rpg) are Vanderbilt’s top rebounders, but both have struggled with fouls. Keeping them on the floor will be crucial against Texas A&M’s relentless offensive rebounding.
Vanderbilt has covered the spread in 20 of its last 32 games, showing they can keep contests close. They are 2-6 on the road this season, and another strong performance from Edwards will be needed to secure an upset in College Station.
Betting Prediction
Texas A&M is favored by 7.5 points with a total set at 145.5. The Aggies’ strong home record and advantage on the boards give them a solid edge. Vanderbilt’s road struggles and Texas A&M’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities could push the Aggies over the spread.
Predicted score: Texas A&M 75, Vanderbilt 65. Texas A&M should cover the spread, and the total points might stay under if the Aggies control the tempo and limit Vanderbilt’s scoring chances.
Pick: Texas A&M Aggies -7.5
