I've been on Texas Southern often this season after the Tigers shockingly won at Florida early, the first-ever win by a SWAC school against a ranked SEC foe. I also think that TSU played in the First Four last year -- and won -- is an advantage over Big Dance newbie A&M-CC. The Islanders rank 269th nationally in 2-point shooting percentage (47.3) and 277th from 3-point range (31.6), and Texas Southern is a good defensive team.

Texas Southern had its ups and downs throughout conference play, but had one of the more difficult non-conference schedules outside of the Power 5. One on their key wins was over Florida. The Tigers also have the experience from last year’s play-in game, in which they defeated Mount St. Mary’s. Consider buying the half point down to three as Texas Southern survives a close battle with Texas A&M CC.

I am very surprised to see the Islanders being the underdogs here. They have been playing great and they are very comfortable playing away from home. They are 17-3 ATS away from home, including 9-2 ATS as underdogs away from home. In March, teams need a standout player. The Tigers don’t have a single player averaging double-digit points while the Islanders have three players averaging more points than the leading scorer for the Tigers. I am expecting the star power of the Islanders to lead them to a win.

SWAC champ Texas Southern is back in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, while Texas A&M Corpus Christi hasn't been here since 2006-07. The Tigers play stingy defense, allowing 39 percent shooting overall and 31 percent from deep. But I like the Southland-champion Islanders, led by former Purdue assistant Steve Lutz, to hang around and possibly win outright. They're a veteran club with a balanced attack, and they're relentless on the glass (14.2 offensive rebounds per game, plus 4.7-rebounding margin). Back Texas A&M Corpus Christi to improve to 11-3 ATS in its last 14 as a dog.