Texas vs. Stanford Prediction and Odds for Elite Eight (Back Longhorns and Cardinal Offenses to Stay Hot)

In one of the most up-and-down NCAA women's tournaments in quite some time, a chalk matchup has found its way into one of Sunday's Elite Eight games.

The Spokane Region of the NCAA women's tournament came down to the top two seeds on the board, as No. 1 Stanford faces the 2-seeded Texas Longhorns in the late game of slate.

The Cardinal got their toughest test Friday in a six-point 72-66 victory over the 4-seeded Maryland Terrapins, but don't forget the Terps outscored Stanford 30-13 in the final quarter after the Cardinal only gave up 36 total points through the first 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Texas also got a score from No. 6 Ohio State in a 66-63 victory Friday, as the Longhorns relied on their outstanding free throw shooting, going 12-15 from the line to help seal the victory.

Who moves on to the Final Four in Minneapolis? Here are the latest consensus odds for tonight's matchup.

Texas vs. Stanford Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Texas +6.5 (-110)
• Stanford -6.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Texas +235
• Stanford -300

Total:

• 126.5 (OVER - 110 | UNDER -110)

Texas vs. Stanford Prediction and Pick

My initial reaction was to lean under, as both Texas and Stanford play at a snail's pace. Via CBB Analytics, Stanford ranks in the 32nd percentile of all of women's college basketball in pace, and the Longhorns are even further down; ranking sixth.

However, despite the longer length of possessions, both teams' offenses are amongst the most efficient in all of college hoops. Throughout the season, Stanford had an offensive rating of 109.4, ranking in the 97th percentile. In their last five games, that number is up almost five points to 114.3, ranking in the 100th percentile.

The Longhorns have also been terrific offensively, moving from the 92nd percentile (104.5) to the 98th (109.9) over their last five games.

Each team is marvelous at finding the most efficient shots on the board, with Stanford's effective field goal percentage up at 55.3%, and Texas coming in at 52.3%.

Essentially, while they may take longer to set up the plays they want, it ends up working out to the advantage of the OVER, as both teams maximize their opportunities to make easy buckets.

The Longhorns, for what it's worth, have shown to be more susceptible in defensive lapses, as they've seen their defensive rating go from 81.7 on the season (95th percentile), all the way to 91.5 (57th percentile) in the tournament.

HerHoopStats projects this game's total on a neutral site to end up at 128.5, giving us a few extra points to have for wiggle room as well. I like both offenses to remain efficient and hot, setting up perhaps a few extra free throw opportunities to move past the over.

LEAN: OVER 126.5 (-110)

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