Texas A&M-Texas Tech: Big 12 Tournament First Round (Mar. 11)

No. 6 Texas A&M (23-8, 9-7) vs. No. 11 Texas Tech (13-18, 3-13)

Sat. March 11 at 9:30 p.m. EST

Spread: Texas A&M -6.5

Backcourt Advantage: Even

Senior guard Josh Carter (14.0 PPG) leads the Aggies into the Big 12 tournament. By winning its last six games, Texas A&M has all but punched its ticket to the NCAA tournament, but the Aggies aren't satisfied yet. Carter and junior Donald Sloan (11.4 PPG) are poised to make another run in the Big 12 tournament. Last year they made it to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual national champions Kansas Jayhawks.

Standing in their way is a disappointing Texas Tech team who has had its worst season since before 2001 when Bob Knight arrived. Senior guard Alan Voskuil (14.1 PPG) and sophomore John Roberson (14.4 PPG) have been very streaky this season. While they have the potential to keep the Red Raiders in this game, it's more likely that their team will self-destruct around them.

Frontcourt Advantage: Texas A&M

The Aggies outrebounded the Red Raiders 40-29 and 45-28 in their two meetings this season. Juniors Bryan Davis (10.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.2 BPG) and Chinemelu Elonu (10.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 BPG) have been dominant inside for the Aggies this season. They should have their way again inside against a young Texas Tech frontcourt, led by sophomore D'Walyn Roberts and freshman Robert Lewandowski.

Momentum: Texas A&M

The Aggies, winners of six straight overall, won both regular season meetings against the Red Raiders this season. They won 79-70 in College Station on Jan. 28 and then 79-73 in Lubbock on Feb. 21. Texas A&M's size advantage against Texas Tech played a large role in both wins, as the Red Raiders were unable to match up inside against the bigger, more athletic Aggies.

The third time won't be the charm for Texas Tech against A&M.

Shaun's Pick: Texas A&M -6.5