The Texas Longhorns have overcome a ton of adversity this season. At the start of January, Chris Beard was fired as head coach for off-the-court conduct.
Rodney Terry had already taken over when Beard was being investigated. But overall, he did a terrific job rallying his team and got the Longhorns to play their best basketball in March.
The Longhorns, a No. 2 seed, are a popular pick to win the NCAA Tournament this year. They’ll have to get through the No. 15-seeded Colgate Raiders first.
Colgate has struggled defensively but has been one of the best offenses in the nation. Will Texas prepare well enough to avoid another early exit in the NCAA Tournament?
Read on for my Texas vs Colgate prediction and best bets.
Texas vs Colgate Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Texas vs Colgate were used from DraftKings Sportsbook unless otherwise noted and are current as of 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 14.
- Moneyline: Texas (-975) | Colgate (+675)
- Spread: Texas -14 (-110) | Colgate -14 (-110)
- Total: Over 147 (-115) | Under 147 (-105)
Texas vs Colgate Best Bet
Keep reading for more Texas vs Colgate betting tips.
Texas vs Colgate Prediction
Texas 85, Colgate 65
The Raiders shot an effective field goal percentage of 58.6% this season. That’s the top rate in all of college basketball this year.
They also shot 40.9% from three and 57.1% from inside the arc. However, Colgate hasn’t faced many teams with Texas’s talent and experience.
On the defensive side, Colgate has allowed teams to shoot 34.9% from downtown and 51.5% from inside the arc. The Raiders have done well on the defensive glass, but it won’t be any easier against the Longhorns.
We’re going to see points from both teams in this game. We’ll just get a bit more consistency out of Texas.
📈 Keep track of NCAA Tournament winner odds to find our best March Madness bets:
Texas vs Colgate Best Bets
Texas -14 (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The last 10 years for Texas have been forgettable. It made the NCAA Tournament in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2022.
The Longhorns haven’t made it out of the second round in any of those tournaments, but maybe it’s a new era under Terry.
Texas has a ton of experience, with five seniors getting significant minutes. Then there’s sophomore Tyrese Hunter. He transferred from Iowa State after last year’s run in the NCAA Tournament.
Texas won’t allow any significant upsets this year. They’re too well-balanced for any of that to happen.
Over 148 Total Points (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Longhorns usually run their offense at a fast pace. Texas has shot 33.9% from downtown and 53.8% from inside the arc.
The Longhorns have also nailed over 75% from the foul line this year.
Again, Colgate has allowed teams to hit 34.9% from three and 51.5% from inside the arc. And that’s against teams, mainly in the Patriot League.
It’s going to be way more difficult stopping Texas, as the quality of offense it has is incredible.
Meanwhile, Texas can be sloppy on the defensive glass. The Longhorns also foul at a higher rate than Colgate.
The Raiders will get solid looks and keep things interesting for a little bit, helping us lock in the Over.
Texas Over 81.5 Team Total (-120) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Longhorns should be able to get quality looks throughout the entire game against Colgate.
The Raiders have been great on the defensive glass and usually limit fouls. But they’re taking on a much more athletic team with a ton of experience.
The Longhorns will still get their offense rounds and foul calls in this game.
Plus, inside, Colgate will struggle. Texas is 46th in the country in two-point basket percentage, while Colgate is 240th defensively.
Texas’ offense should thrive.
Texas vs Colgate Same Game Parlay
Texas vs Colgate SGP (+360) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: .25 Units
- Texas -14.5 (-105)
- Texas Team Total Over 80.5 (-125)
- Colgate Team Total Over 62.5 (-215)
The Texas Longhorns should have no problem on the offensive end. This total relies heavily on Colgate.
I’m not sure the Raiders will shoot lights out against Texas, but I’m confident they’ll still score at an average pace and to get to 63 points.
