Offense meets defense when the LSU Tigers (9-4, 0-1 SEC) head to Texas A&M to take on the No. 11 Aggies (11-3, 0-2 SEC). Action starts at 2:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018, and it can be seen on SEC Network.
LSU Tigers at Texas A&M Aggies ATS Preview
In the Tigers last game, they lost a close one to the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats, 74-71. Duop Reath put together a good performance for LSU, leading both teams in scoring with 24 points on 11-for-17 shooting. Kentucky held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.492 (below their season average of 0.589). LSU, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 17.3).
The Aggies are hoping for a better outcome after their 83-66 loss to the Florida Gators in their last outing. With 12 points and 11 rebounds, Texas A&M’s Robert Williams played well. Florida had a much better turnover percentage (9.8 vs. 19.7). Texas A&M, meanwhile, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (4-5; 80.0 percent).
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for Texas A&M in this matchup. The Aggies rank 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 percent), while LSU ranks 276th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.6 percent). Also, the Tigers rank seventh in offensive efficiency (121.5), while the Aggies rank 36th in defensive efficiency (93.4).
Tyler Davis has been exceptional over the last five games for Texas A&M, averaging 13.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
This is the first time these teams will meet this year. The Aggies won both matchups played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, Texas A&M won 85-73. The Aggies played a nearly perfect game. They had a great turnover percentage of 9.7 and a solid free throw rate of 0.302. The Tigers had marks of 21.3 and 0.228, respectively, for those same stats.
LSU Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Texas A&M, ATS Winner – Texas A&M, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Tigers average 15.8 assists per game, which ranks 68th in the nation. The Aggies rank 169th in assists allowed per game (14.5).
- LSU ranks 39th in steals per game (7.9) while Texas A&M ranks 121st in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- Texas A&M ranks second in rebounds per game (44.4) while LSU ranks 160th (35.5).
- The Tigers rank 113th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Aggies rank 245th in three pointers allowed per game (26.3).
- LSU ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Texas A&M ranks 146th (4.5).
Betting Trends:
- The Aggies average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 11.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 81.6 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (7.9 below their season average).
