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Texas A&M vs Northwestern State Week 1 Betting Preview
Texas A&M enters a new era Monday night when Bucky Ball debuts in College Station. New head coach Bucky McMillan overhauled the Aggies’ roster with 12 transfers and one freshman, giving the program a drastically different look from the 23-win team Buzz Williams led to the NCAA Tournament last season.
McMillan’s high-tempo style made Samford a tournament team in 2024, and he plans to replicate that system in the SEC. The Aggies’ retooled lineup includes Jacari Lane (North Alabama), Pop Isaacs (Creighton), Rylan Griffen (Kansas), Marcus Hill (NC State), and Federiko Federiko (Texas Tech). Forward Mackenzie Mgbako will miss the first few weeks after foot surgery.
The Demons come in from the Southland Conference looking to challenge themselves early. They finished 16-16 last season and bring back Micah Thomas (12.4 ppg) and Willie Williams (7.5 rpg). Coach Rick Cabrera emphasized that facing quality opponents helps prepare for conference play.
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the NCAA basketball odds page, Texas A&M opened around -23.5 with a total of 152.5, and early money has leaned slightly toward the Aggies. The public expects McMillan’s fast-paced offense to produce points, while sharp bettors have backed the over.
Moneyline markets list A&M near -5000, while Northwestern State sits around +1500. Most early handle supports Texas A&M to cover big, though sportsbooks report balanced action on the total.
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Matchup Breakdown
McMillan’s system relies on spacing, pace, and ball movement. Lane and Isaacs provide perimeter shooting, combining for over 39% from three last season. Federiko anchors the paint defensively, while Hill and Griffen stretch the floor. Expect an up-tempo start as the Aggies push to run the Demons off the court.
Northwestern State averaged 74.3 points per game a year ago but allowed opponents to shoot nearly 46%. Their biggest test will be defending A&M’s transition offense. The Demons must control tempo and rebound to avoid an early deficit.
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Injuries and Conditions
Texas A&M
- Mackenzie Mgbako, F – Out (foot surgery, expected return late November)
- No other reported injuries as of Monday morning
Northwestern State
- No major injuries reported
For full practice and status updates, check each team’s NCAA basketball team page
Weather will not be a factor indoors at Reed Arena in College Station.
Best Bets and Prediction
Texas A&M’s new style should create plenty of possessions, but chemistry could take time. Northwestern State has scoring experience, making the over 152.5 appealing early. The Aggies’ depth and athleticism should eventually overwhelm, but the Demons could hang around before halftime.
Projected Score: Texas A&M 89, Northwestern State 67
Best Bet: Over 152.5
Lean: Northwestern State +23.5
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