The third-seeded Texas Longhorns (19-7) face the 14th-seeded Abilene Christian Wildcats (23-4) Saturday. Tip-off is set for 9:50 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Texas-Abilene Christian odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.
Texas enters the NCAA Tournament having won its final five games. The Longhorns finished third in the Big 12 regular-season standings. Three players averaged double digits in scoring, led by junior G Andrew Jones and his 14.6 points per game. Texas also led the Big 12 in rebounding.
Abilene Christian won 12 of its final 13 games to make the NCAA tourney, doing so with defense and ball movement. Allowing just 60.1 points per game, the Wildcats were seventh in the nation in scoring defense. They were also third in steals and fifth in assists per game.
Texas vs. Abilene Christian: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Texas -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Abilene Christian +350 (bet $100 to win $350)
- Against the spread/ATS: Texas -9 (-110) | Abilene Christian +9 (-110)
- Over/Under: 139.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Texas vs. Abilene Christian: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Texas 77, Abilene Christian 66
Money line (ML)
As a 14 seed, there isn’t much of a chance historically for the Wildcats to upset the Longhorns. No. 14 seeds are 21-119 all-time against 3 seeds with the last upset being Stephen F. Austin shocking West Virginia in 2016. Texas and Abilene Christian were each 5-0 at neutral sites this season. However, with a -450 money line for Texas, it isn’t worth the risk. PASS.
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Against the spread (ATS)
This line isn’t as big as it could be. Texas struggled against the spread this season, going 12-13-1 ATS, while the Wildcats were 17-6 ATS. Abilene Christian went 7-1 ATS in its last eight games and Texas has covered the spread in their last five.
The difference in competition in the two conferences comes into play here. Texas will be in control for most of the game. The Wildcats will compete and won’t get blown out, but they won’t keep it close enough for a cover. Take TEXAS -9 (-110).
Over/Under (O/U)
Both teams tend to go Over in their games. Abilene Christian has played Over in 11 of its last 13 games. Texas has gone 14-5 O/U in its last 19 and is 5-0 O/U in its last five as a favorite. Take OVER 139.5 POINTS (-110).
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