March 21, 2026, 12:01 p.m. MT
The No. 2 Houston Cougars look to continue their March Madness run, and in their way is an old Southwest Conference rival, the No. 10 Texas A&M Aggies.
The Aggies were uneven down the stretch of the regular season to the point they were on the front edge of the tournament bubble, but handled St. Mary’s in the opening round to advance. Houston had an easy time with Idaho as it looks to duplicate last season’s run to the national title game.
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Houston is a heavy favorite in this battle to make the Sweet 16.
Houston men’s basketball vs. Texas A&M in March Madness today
The No. 2 Houston men’s basketball team takes on No. 10 Texas A&M in a second-round NCAA tournament South Region game in Oklahoma City. The 4:10 p.m. MT/5:10 p.m. tip Saturday, March 21, will be aired on TNT.
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The Houston vs. Texas A&M game will at 4:10 p.m. MT/5:10 p.m. on TNT on Saturday, March 21.
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Who does the winner of Houston-Texas A&M play?
The winner of the No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Houston advances to the Sweet 16 South Region semifinals in Houston where it will play the winner of No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth.
Texas A&M men’s basketball record
The Texas A&M Aggies are 22-11.
Houston men’s basketball record
The Houston Cougars are 29-6.
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Houston Cougars odds
Odds from BetMGM.com: Houston -10 1/2. Moneyline: Houston -500, Texas A&M +375. Over/under 142 1/2.
Houston Cougars men’s basketball vs. Texas A&M Aggies predictions, picks
Jeremy Cluff writes: “The Aggies looked really good against Saint Mary’s, winning by 13 points in the first round. But Houston is on a mission after last year’s loss in the national championship game.”
Bookies.com: Bet Houston to cover vs Texas A&M
Bill Speros writes: “Get ready for a real Tex mess. This spicy matchup offers Lone Star State teams battle for a spot in the in the Sweet 16. Houston is the No. 2 seed in the South Regional, with their potential Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games scheduled for the Toyota Center — essentially their home court. They are absolutely motivated to get there.. The Cougars rolled to an easy cover at -24.5 against Idaho. They’re on a mission after losing the national title game last year. They pull away in the 2nd half for the win and cover.”
ESPN: Houston has an 81.3% chance to beat Texas A&M
The site gives the Aggies an 18.7% shot at defeating the Cougars in the NCAA Tournament March Madness second-round game.
Odds Shark: Houston 81.7, Texas A&M 70
The site predicts that the Cougars will cover the point spread. It is taking the over for the point total.
It writes: “Given Houston’s strong postseason performance and their defensive stats, they have the edge. Texas A&M’s offense might struggle against Houston’s defense, leading to a Cougars win.”
Odds Trader: Houston 75, Texas A&M 68
The site sees the Cougars getting a 7-point win over the Aggies.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.