Penn State vs. Texas NCAA picks, predictions, odds: Who wins March Madness game? (2024)

Penn State vs. Texas NCAA picks, predictions, odds: Who wins March Madness game? (1)

No. 10 seed Penn State and No. 1 seed Texas face off on Saturday in an NCAA Tournament second-round game.

The game is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. MST and can be seen on CBS.

Who will win the game?

Check out these picks and predictions for the contest.

Texas is a 5.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.

OddsChecker: Take Penn State with the points vs. Texas

It writes: "The spread in this one is 6 points, much smaller than the 2-seed vs 10 seed dynamic would have one believe. While I think that Texas is the clear superior team, Penn State is just playing way too well to just go away quietly right now. This is going to be a tightly contested game, and as such I’m compelled to take Penn State. Even if they lose, it feels like they should take this one down to the wire."

College Football News: Texas 73, Penn State 66

Pete Fiutak writes: "Free throws.Penn State hit 9-of-12 against Texas A&M, keeping it rolling as the Big Ten team that takes the fewest shots from the line. Texas only attempted eight free throws against Colgate, but it averages 19 tries per game and was the best-shooting team in the Big 12. Texas A&M didn't have the offense to keep up when Penn State was shooting well. Texas does."

FanDuel: Texas 79, Penn State 74

Devon Platana writes: "Penn State's defense also isn't good enough to disrupt Texas' attack. The Nittany Lions tally the 11th-fewest steals while forcing the third-fewest giveaways in the nation. That's led to opponents averaging 14.0 assists against them (T-No. 265), which is bad news considering how the Longhorns operate on a 16.2 APG clip (No. 14)."

NCAA Tournament odds:2023 March Madness point spreads, money lines, over/unders for games

Winners and Whiners: Go with Penn State with the points vs. Texas

Mark Ruelle writes: "I can't turn away from a Penn State team that has thrived in close games down the stretch. The Nittany Lions are 5-0 ATS in their last five games and have gone 9-0 ATS in their last nine games as the underdog. In addition, Penn State has won six of its last seven games against tournament teams and covered the spread in each game. Further, the veteran Penn State team is not easily rattled and performs well above average in neutral site games. Penn State is 9-1 ATS in its last ten neutral site games. I expect Pickett to protect the basketball and create opportunities for his teammates throughout the game. Texas, which likes to move quickly, will be forced to adjust to Penn State's methodical pace of play and I expect this game to be a one-possession contest heading into the final two minutes. With that in mind, points are critical and I will happily take the 5.5 on the board."

March Madness odds:Houston, Kansas, Alabama, Purdue 2023 men's NCAA Tournament favorites

Sports Chat Place: Texas with cover against Penn State

Randy Chambers writes: "The Penn State Nittany Lions have been a scrappy bunch all year that just finds ways to hang around, but they rely on the three ball a little too much for my liking against quality teams. The Texas Longhorns were my pick to win the championship, and their defensive effort is good enough to take away what the opponent does best. Penn State won’t be able to step into 13 threes like it did against Texas A&M. I’ll lay the reasonable number with the Longhorns."

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Reach Jeremy Cluffatjeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com.Follow him on Twitter@Jeremy_Cluff.

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