Texas A&M basketball: three things to know about Yale, their first-round opponent in the NCAA Tournament
As the Texas A&M Aggies prepare for their first-round matchup in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, all eyes are on their opponent: the Yale Bulldogs. Yale, hailing from the Ivy League, is a program that has a rich basketball tradition but is often overlooked when it comes to the national spotlight. However, the Bulldogs have the potential to provide a formidable challenge for Texas A&M in the opening round of March Madness.
Texas A&M enters the tournament as one of the more well-rounded teams in the field, boasting a blend of experienced leadership, defensive prowess, and offensive firepower. But no team is ever truly a “lock” to advance, and Yale will certainly be bringing their best game to the table. To help Texas A&M fans better understand what to expect from Yale and how the Aggies can prepare for this crucial contest, we’ve compiled three important things to know about their first-round opponent.
1. Yale’s Strong Defensive Philosophy
The first thing that stands out about Yale basketball is their commitment to defense. Under head coach James Jones, the Bulldogs have built their program on the foundation of a stingy, disciplined defensive system. Yale prides itself on forcing its opponents to work for every point, utilizing a combination of man-to-man defense, intense pressure, and effective help defense. They are a team that excels at limiting the opposing team’s offensive flow, making it difficult for opponents to get into their rhythm.
In particular, Yale has proven to be effective at defending the three-point line, an area where many teams tend to give up open looks. The Bulldogs have the size and athleticism to challenge shots on the perimeter, as well as the basketball IQ to rotate quickly and contest shots. Given that Texas A&M relies heavily on perimeter shooting as part of their offensive game plan, this will be a critical area for the Aggies to focus on in preparation.
Yale also does an excellent job of defending in transition, ensuring that opposing teams don’t get easy fast-break points. With Texas A&M being a team that likes to push the pace and get out in transition when possible, it will be vital for the Aggies to maintain their composure and execute well in the half-court offense to avoid falling into the Bulldogs’ defensive trap.
One of Yale’s standout defenders is Jordan Bruner, who has emerged as a leader on the defensive end. Bruner’s ability to guard multiple positions and be a rim protector makes him a constant threat on defense. Bruner can effectively shut down the paint and force opponents into tough shots, while also helping to stifle Texas A&M’s offensive flow by disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers. Texas A&M will need to be patient on offense, avoid rushing shots, and move the ball effectively to counter Yale’s defense.
2. Yale’s Efficient and Balanced Offense
While defense is Yale’s bread and butter, their offense is nothing to ignore. The Bulldogs operate a very balanced offensive attack, featuring a mix of inside scoring, perimeter shooting, and unselfish ball movement. Yale’s offensive success is built on a deep, cohesive team approach that doesn’t rely on a single player to carry the load. Instead, they have several players who can score, and their offensive system is designed to make the most of their players’ strengths.
One key aspect of Yale’s offense is their ability to score inside the paint. The Bulldogs boast a collection of skilled big men, including Azar Swain, who is a threat down low and has the ability to finish through contact. Swain has been a key contributor for Yale in the Ivy League, and his ability to dominate in the post will be an area of concern for Texas A&M’s defense. The Aggies will need to focus on defending the paint and preventing easy post-ups, as Yale’s bigs are adept at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line.
On the perimeter, Yale is highly capable as well. The Bulldogs have a reputation for being disciplined, patient, and precise in their half-court offense. They rely heavily on ball movement to break down opposing defenses and create open looks. One player to watch here is Jared Bynum, a point guard who leads the team in assists and has shown the ability to facilitate and score when needed. Bynum’s decision-making and court vision make him a dangerous weapon for Yale, especially in creating plays for his teammates.
The Bulldogs are also highly efficient when it comes to shooting from beyond the arc. Their three-point shooting has been a consistent strength throughout the season, with several players capable of knocking down deep shots. Given that Texas A&M’s defense will likely focus on protecting the paint and containing Swain, Yale’s shooters could have opportunities to exploit the Aggies’ defense by hitting timely three-pointers.
In terms of how this affects Texas A&M’s defensive strategy, the Aggies will need to apply pressure to Yale’s perimeter shooters without overcommitting to the ball inside. It will be important for Texas A&M to balance their help defense, making sure they are collapsing when needed but also closing out on Yale’s shooters to prevent open three-point opportunities.
3. Yale’s Mental Toughness and Tournament Experience
Yale is no stranger to March Madness. The Bulldogs have been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament in recent years and have developed a reputation for playing tough, disciplined basketball on the national stage. They are a team that is accustomed to the pressure of tournament play, and that experience will serve them well as they face Texas A&M in the first round.
The Bulldogs’ mental toughness has been evident in their ability to perform under pressure. Yale is not easily rattled by adversity, and they have a calm demeanor that allows them to stay composed even in the most intense moments of a game. This quality will be crucial when playing a team like Texas A&M, which is known for its physical play and aggressive style of defense.
Another key factor is Yale’s ability to execute in clutch situations. The Bulldogs have shown the ability to make big plays when it matters most, whether it’s hitting key free throws, locking down on defense, or making timely baskets to close out games. For Texas A&M, this means they cannot afford to let up in the second half or assume they have the game in hand. Yale will keep fighting until the final whistle, and the Aggies need to match their intensity and focus.
One player who embodies this mental toughness is Swain, who has delivered in high-pressure moments throughout his career. His ability to create shots, both for himself and his teammates, makes him a player to watch in tight situations. Swain’s leadership and poise in high-pressure moments will be crucial for Yale as they take on a talented Texas A&M squad.
How Texas A&M Can Win
Given the strengths of Yale, Texas A&M will need to execute a well-rounded game plan to advance past the Bulldogs. The Aggies have the advantage of athleticism and depth, but they will need to make adjustments in certain areas to overcome the Bulldogs’ defense and efficient offense.
- Control the Pace: Texas A&M plays a fast-paced game that relies on pushing the ball in transition. However, against a disciplined team like Yale, the Aggies must be careful not to get caught in a half-court game, which plays into Yale’s hands. They should focus on running when possible but also be patient in the half-court, setting up plays and being smart with ball movement.
- Limit Yale’s Inside Scoring: The Aggies have a strong interior defense, and they will need to use that to their advantage against Yale’s post players. Keeping Swain and other big men from establishing deep position will be crucial in neutralizing the Bulldogs’ offensive attack. Texas A&M will also need to keep Yale from getting to the free-throw line too often, as the Bulldogs are adept at drawing fouls in the paint.
- Perimeter Shooting: While Yale is a strong perimeter defensive team, Texas A&M’s shooters have the ability to knock down open shots. Players like Tyrece Radford and Wade Taylor IV will need to be aggressive from the three-point line and create opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Hitting timely three-pointers will keep Yale’s defense on edge and help create driving lanes for the Aggies.
- Stay Disciplined: Texas A&M’s defense needs to remain disciplined and avoid getting caught up in Yale’s patient offensive sets. Keeping the Bulldogs from running their offense smoothly will be a key to forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Texas A&M will also need to maintain focus on the defensive glass, limiting Yale’s second-chance points.
