T.M. Selection: Texas A&M.

I like Texas A&M to cover the spread against Auburn in this game on Friday. Texas A&M has looked really good in their games lately as they just keep winning whether the game is close or a blow out. They have won 5 games in a row now and they just kicked Florida out of this tournament with an 83-80 win in their previous game. Texas A&M has been hot in their games lately, they have been winning with good defense when they can but also have won games by putting up a ton of points when the defensive effort wasn't there. I think they can carry over some momentum from their win over Florida and I expect them to put up a good fight in this game. Auburn may have been the best team in their conference this year finishing in 1st place but they faltered down the stretch a bit and struggled in some of their games that they didn't play on their home court. They lost 3/4 of their final 4 road games in the regular season and although this isn't a road game, it is still not being played on home court and I think they won't play their best in this game. Texas A&M also had to play in the previous round so they are warmed up and ready to go for this game while Auburn hasn't played in a week and could come out a bit slower and sluggish in this game. I think Auburn will need some time to get back up to speed with this being their first game in tournament play for months and I think that will be enough for Texas A&M to gain some traction and stick around in this game. Auburn is also one of the top teams in the country so they don't even need to win this tournament to go to the NCAA tournament but Texas A&M does and they will play with some desperation in this game as it is do or die for them. I like Texas A&M to cover the spread here.

T.M. Prediction: 78-72 Auburn.