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Texas A&M vs Xavier Prediction and Odds for NIT Championship (Aggies To Reign Supreme)

By Joe Summers

Quenton Jackson of Texas A&M scores an easy layup
Quenton Jackson of Texas A&M scores an easy layup / Andy Lyons/GettyImages
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While the Final Four gets going on Saturday, we'll crown an NIT Champion Thursday night at 7:00 PM EST as the No. 1 Texas A&M Aggies take on the No. 2 Xavier Musketeers.

The Aggies have steamrolled their competition on their way to the finals, winning each of their four games by at least 12 points and covering the spread in each of their last three.

Xavier survived a couple of close calls against Cleveland State and Vanderbilt but looked impressive in their win over St. Bonaventure to make the championship.

Can Texas A&M stay hot and earn another convincing win or will the Musketeers pull off the upset?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET as we attempt to crown an NIT Champion:

Texas A&M vs Xavier Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

  • Texas A&M -4.5 (-110)
  • Xavier +4.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Texas A&M: -220
  • Xavier: +175

Total:

  • 137.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Texas A&M vs Xavier Prediction and Pick

I was furious when Texas A&M didn't make the NCAA Tournament field as they've been one of my favorite teams to bet on all season. But their misfortunate is our gain, as we now get to bet on the Aggies against one of my favorite teams to fade all year in Xavier.

Texas A&M is a legitimately excellent defensive team. They rank in the 100th percentile in defensive rating over their last five games and force turnovers at one of the highest rates in the country. The Aggies generate a ton of easy baskets by gobbling up offensive rebounds and converting free throws at a high percentage.

Xavier, on the other hand, ranks in the 2nd percentile in free throw percentage and have faltered late in close games all year. The Musketeers are 6-14 against the spread (ATS) in their last 20 and 1-3 ATS in their last four as a favorite.

The Aggies are 10-2 ATS (against the spread) in their last dozen contests and I see no reason to back off of them now. They've covered the spread in each of their last three NIT games by an average of just under 13 points per game and are hungry for a trophy after being left out of March Madness.

One more time, baby. One more chance to roll with the Aggies and fade the Musketeers. It's going to be glorious.

Pick: Texas A&M -4.5 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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