Texas A&M Aggies vs Vanderbilt Commodores – NCAA Basketball Preview – February 26, 2025
The Texas A&M Aggies host the Vanderbilt Commodores on Wednesday night at Reed Arena in College Station. The game tips off at 7:00 PM ET and is a crucial SEC matchup. Texas A&M holds the fifth spot in the conference with a 20-7 record (9-5 in the SEC), while Vanderbilt is 10th in the SEC at 18-9 (6-8 in conference play).
The last meeting between these teams was a thriller, with Vanderbilt edging out Texas A&M 74-73 on February 13, 2024. The Commodores snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Ole Miss on Saturday, while the Aggies are looking to rebound after back-to-back losses, including a 77-69 defeat to Tennessee.
Vanderbilt Preview – Commodores Looking for a Statement Win
Vanderbilt has improved under first-year head coach Mark Byington, who has the Commodores in the mix for their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2017. Vanderbilt is 18-9 overall and has shown versatility in scoring, with four players averaging close to double figures. Jason Edwards leads the team with 17.3 points per game, while Devin McGlockton adds 10.9 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds per game.
The Commodores broke a losing streak by defeating then-No. 24 Ole Miss 77-72, giving them a needed boost in confidence. Edwards has been a consistent performer, scoring in double figures in all but one game this season. However, Vanderbilt struggles with foul trouble in the frontcourt, as McGlockton and Jaylen Carey often find themselves on the bench due to fouls.
Vanderbilt will need a disciplined performance to handle Texas A&M’s aggressive rebounding and interior play. The Commodores are 2-6 on the road, highlighting the challenge they face in a tough environment at Reed Arena.
Texas A&M Preview – Aggies Aim to Get Back on Track
Texas A&M has been strong this season with a 20-7 record. The Aggies are 12-2 at home, making them a difficult opponent in College Station. They are ranked No. 12 nationally and have their eyes on improving their seeding in both the NCAA and SEC tournaments. A&M is in a tight race for a top-four spot in the SEC, which would grant a double bye in the conference tournament.
Wade Taylor IV leads the Aggies with 15.0 points per game, while Zhuric Phelps contributes 14.4 points and a strong presence on the boards. A&M is exceptional in offensive rebounding, leading the nation with 15.8 offensive boards per game. This allows them to generate second-chance points even when their shooting is off, as it was in the recent loss to Tennessee (5-of-30 from three-point range).
The Aggies’ biggest weakness is their three-point shooting, ranking 329th nationally at just 30.6%. They rely heavily on inside scoring and physical play, which could be effective against Vanderbilt’s thin frontcourt. Texas A&M needs to control the glass and find more consistency in their perimeter shooting to secure a win.
Betting Prediction
The game is expected to be competitive, with Texas A&M likely entering as a moderate home favorite. The over/under is projected around 135 points, considering Vanderbilt’s balanced offense and A&M’s defensive strength. The Aggies have covered the spread in 20 of their 36 games this season, while Vanderbilt has been strong against the spread on the road, covering in 11 of their last 13 away games.
Texas A&M’s home dominance and rebounding edge should give them the upper hand. The predicted score is Texas A&M 72, Vanderbilt 65, with the Aggies covering the spread and securing a much-needed win.
Pick: Texas A&M Aggies -6.5
