After stunning the Virginia Cavaliers on Tuesday in the First Four, Colorado State will aim to do what so many teams have done since the birth of this miniature lead-up round and ride a win in a play-in game to a lengthy tournament run.
In the Rams’ way stands a Texas Longhorns team that has gone toe-to-toe with some of the toughest teams in the nation but ultimately enters off the back of a disappointing showing in conference play.
Let’s predict Texas vs. Colorado State for Thursday’s tourney action and examine the best ways to bet it with March Madness Round 1 promos.
📈 Texas vs. Colorado State Odds
Texas-CSU lines are current as of Thursday at 4 p.m. ET on BetMGM Sportsbook’s app.
- Moneyline: Texas (-160), Colorado State (+135)
- Spread: Texas -3.5 (+100), Colorado State +3.5 (-120)
- Total Points: Over 143.5 (-110), Under 143.5 (-110)
After dismantling one of the best defenses in the country for their fifth win in six games, the Rams have earned much-deserved respect from oddsmakers in what should be a tight 7-10 matchup in the Midwest Region.
Texas will bring a lot more to the table than the Cavaliers, however. Having come through one of the toughest conferences in basketball this season, it deserves to be favored, even if the margin is slim.
🔮 Texas vs. Colorado State Prediction
Texas 74, Colorado State 69
Considering we have two teams in the top 40 in offensive efficiency and a Texas team that has made a habit of getting itself into shootouts all season long, I think this one should be rather high-scoring for a game expected to lack pace.
The Longhorns’ strength has come from deep, an attack led by a marksman in Abmas. While the Rams’ 3-point defense looks rather fine overall, it finished the season allowing better than 35% from outside over its last six games and played in a conference that features few schools that can shoot the ball, judging by the numbers.
Texas has a sizable edge in D1 experience, according to KenPom, and should be able to shoot the ball with success here against a Colorado State side that struggled in that area down the stretch. On the flip side, the Rams shouldn’t pose the same threat from deep to Texas that many of the best teams in the nation have over the last couple of months, and that strength of schedule should work wonders in what’s expected to be a close game.
✅ Texas vs. Colorado State Best Bet
Texas -2.5 (-110)
I understand it’s easy to sour on a team that went 9-9 in conference play and had a disappointing exit early in the Big 12 Tournament against a Kansas State team it should beat, but this Texas team is incredibly tough inside. If not for some crippling foul trouble against Baylor a couple of weeks ago, Texas probably comes into this tournament with a stronger resume and more fanfare.
The power of Max Abmas can’t be underestimated here. He not only led Oral Roberts to a magical Sweet 16 run a few years back but has consistently demonstrated the ability to take over games as the best player on the floor many times this season. In March, as Jim Calhoun has said, having the best player on the floor is the greatest advantage you can have.
Texas has been splendid inside the arc on both sides of the ball, and though it has been burned by the 3-ball at times, that’s not exactly a strong suit for Colorado, who shot just 33.3% this season and knocked down just 35.5% of looks from deep against Virginia.
💰 Texas vs. Colorado State Betting Promos
BetMGM Texas-Colorado State March Madness Promo
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bet365 Texas-Colorado State March Madness Promo
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Place $1,000 on the Longhorns to take this home at -150 for a chance to win $666.67 on your initial wager. If Colorado State pulls the upset, you’ll have $1,000 in bonus funds to play with as the night unfolds.
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