Texas vs Colorado State betting odds, predictions, pick and promos
Colorado State became the second team to pick up a victory in the First Four matchups by taking down Virginia in a convincing fashion.
The Rams cruised to a 67-42 victory and held Virginia to just 14 points in the first half. It was an impressive opening performance that boosted optimism about their chances in the opening round as Colorado State looked like a team better than their seed indicates. The poor performance by Virginia has also brought plenty of criticism directed at the selection committee.
Regardless, Colorado State moves on and now has the opportunity to face off against 7th-seeded Texas. This matchup is taking place in the midwest region of the bracket and is set to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Best betting promos for Texas vs Colorado State
Find the best promos from the best sportsbooks for the NCAA Finals. Learn more about betting on the tournament in the NCAA Finals betting and strategy guide.
| Operator | Bonus | Min. deposit | Expiration |
| DraftKings | Bet $5 get $150 | $5 | 7 days after credited |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if first bet does not win | $10 | 7 days after credited |
| BetRivers | 2nd chance bet up to $500 | $10 | 7 days after credited |
| Betway* | Bet $25 get $150 if bet wins | $10 | 7 days after credited |
Exclusive promos for North Carolina punters
With sportsbetting finally legal in North Carolina, sportsbooks are offering punters in the Tar Heel state exclusive promos, perfect to use for the NCAA Finals.
| Operator | Promo | Expiration |
| DraftKings | Bet $5 get $250 in bonus bets | 7 days after being awarded |
| BetMGM | Get $5 get $150 in bonus bets | 7 days after being awarded |
Texas (7) vs Colorado State (10) preview
Led by head coach Rodney Terry, Texas went 20-12 this season and 9-9 in Big 12 play. The Longhorns ranked 93rd in the country in scoring by producing 76.5 points per game and are holding opponents to 69.9 points per game which is the 108th-best rate. Texas also has the 24th-ranked strength of schedule and had some notable performances against the best teams in the country. They finished the season ranked 30th in the NET Rankings.
As a team, Texas ranks 40th in assists per game, 48th in blocks, and holds opponents to just 18.4 three-point attempts which is the 33rd-best rate among Division 1 teams. They also shoot 47.4% from the field on the offensive end which is the 44th-best rate. Texas went 12-1 against Quad 3 and 4 opponents but just 8-11 in Quad 1 and 2 matchups. Their most impressive victories were over Cincinnati, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. Some of their more concerning losses were at the hands of West Virginia, UCF, and Kansas State.
Colorado State went 24-10 this season and 10-8 in conference play. They were unable to win the Mountain West Conference Tournament, with New Mexico State punching their ticket this way, but instead left it up to the selection committee to decide their tournament future. While the selection committee admitted Colorado State barely scraped in, they secured the 10 seed and a chance in the tournament. On the season the Rams have averaged 76.4 points per game while holding opponents to 68.4 points per game which each rank in the top 100 in the country. They are a familiar team with 54.9% of the minutes played and 56.5% of the scoring produced from last year’s team returned. The Rams took a significant step forward this year after going 15-18 last season.
As a team, Colorado State shoots the 18th-best field-goal percentage and connects on 48.8% of their attempts from the field. They also rank 5th in the country in assists per game and hold opponents to just 19.2 three-point attempts per game which is the 56th-best rate. The Rams finished the season 36th in the Net Rankings and have had mixed results against tougher competition. Colorado State went 13-1 against Quad 3 and 4 opponents and 9-9 in Quad 1 and 2 matchups. Their most impressive wins came over Creighton, Colorado, San Diego State, and Boise State. Some of their more concerning losses were at the hands of Wyoming, UNLV, and Nevada.
Texas vs Colorado State odds
Below are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of BetRivers Sportsbook:
- Spread: Texas -2.5 at -117 odds, Colorado State +2.5 at -104 odds
- Moneyline: Texas -141, Colorado State +117
- Total: Over/Under 143 points
Texas vs Colorado State analysis
Texas is led by Max Abmas who has averaged 17.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game this year. Dylan Disu also is vital to the team’s success and has produced 15.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 50% on three-point attempts this season. Texas has two other players averaging double-figures in Tyrese Hunter and Dillon Mitchell.
This is the fourth consecutive season that Texas has made the NCAA Tournament and the 38th time in program history they are going dancing. The Longhorns went to the Elite Eight last year and were led by then-interim head coach Rodney Terry. This success helped cement his future as the long-term head coach of Texas and he will be looking to build off that performance in this year’s tournament.
Colorado State has a well-oriented roster that plays good team basketball. They are headlined by senior guard Isaiah Stevens who has averaged 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.1 rebounds per game this season while shooting 44.7% from beyond the three-point arc. Joel Scott, Nique Clifford, and Patrick Cartier each also average 10.5 points per game or more.
The Rams have the guards and style of play that could be the ingredients for an upset. They will not be phased by the scoring pace and may look even more comfortable compared to the slow style of Virginia. Colorado State’s defense will give up points, but they have the offense to answer. Texas has been inconsistent this season and never grew into the feared team they hoped to be. Colorado State has more impressive wins throughout the season and momentum on their side ahead of this first-round matchup.
Texas vs Colorado State pick
Texas is a solid team with no glaring weaknesses, but have not looked as dangerous as they hope to be this season. Colorado State looked like a team playing with something to prove in the First Four and this should be expected to continue in the round of 64.
Both these teams have a case for deserving to have a higher seed than they received, but Colorado State received the even shorter end of the stick. If he plays to the best of his ability, Isaiah Stevens may very well be the best player on the floor which could be a huge swing factor in favor of Colorado State.
Expect this matchup to come down to the wire and for the Rams to be more trustworthy in their guard play down the stretch which will ultimately decide the matchup.
Texas vs Colorado State game info
- Who: Texas (7) vs Colorado State (10)
- Date: Thursday, March 21st
- Time: 6:50 EST
- Venue: Spectrum Center (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Where to watch: TNT
About the author
Sean Barnard
Sean Barnard has worked in sports media for the past five years. He has spent time as the 76ers Lead Writer for Philly Sports Network, Associate Editor at CluchPoints, Eagles Beat Reporter for YardBarker, and more. He also owns and operates his own Podcast Network called Pick Swap Media and is a radio host on Fox 102.5 The Gambler presented by iHeartMedia. Sean has written over 1500 articles and recorded over 500 podcasts and is just getting started. Based out of the Philadelphia region in the United States, Sean is a lifelong passionate sports fan who can be reached on Twitter at @Sean_Barnard1 where he rattles off basketball breakdowns and other news.
*DraftKings available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, and WY
**BetMGM available in: AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NC, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, TN, VA, WA, WV, and WY
***BetRivers available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, and WY
****Betway available in: AZ, CO, IA, IN, LO, NJ, OH, PA, VA
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the sportsbooks offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 21+. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
