NCAA Tournament: 3 things to know about Texas A&M’s first-round opponent Yale

The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and with Texas A&M set to face Yale in the first round, the Aggies need to be prepared for a battle. As a four-seed, Texas A&M comes into the tournament with high expectations, but their first-round matchup with Yale is a critical hurdle they must overcome. While many may see Yale as a potential underdog, this team has the ability to shock the higher-seeded teams and advance further in March Madness.

To help you understand what Texas A&M will be up against in this opening round, here are three key things to know about Yale, their program, and what makes them a challenging opponent.

1. Yale’s Defensive Prowess: A Steady Backbone

One of the most important things to note about Yale is their defense. Under head coach James Jones, the Bulldogs have developed a reputation for being a tough, hard-nosed team on that end of the floor. They might not always be the flashiest team, but they are extremely disciplined and methodical when it comes to limiting their opponent’s scoring opportunities.

Key Defensive Stats:

• Yale has consistently ranked among the top defenses in the Ivy League, and this year is no exception. They have a strong defensive rating and are adept at limiting teams’ shooting percentages, especially from beyond the arc.
• The Bulldogs are particularly good at contesting shots at the rim, often forcing opponents into tough, contested layups or mid-range jumpers. This could be an issue for Texas A&M if they aren’t able to capitalize on high-percentage shots.
• They excel at forcing turnovers and getting out in transition, turning defensive stops into offensive opportunities. This could be a crucial aspect of the game for Texas A&M to neutralize, as the Aggies have a tendency to be a high-turnover team at times.

Yale’s ability to lock down defensively and limit easy buckets could make this matchup tougher than many expect. Texas A&M will need to be patient with their offensive possessions and avoid taking unnecessary risks that could lead to turnovers. This means the Aggies’ offensive execution will have to be crisp, with each player working together to get high-quality looks while avoiding forcing up bad shots.

2. The Ivy League Underdog Mentality: A Fearless Competitor

Yale may not have the same level of recognition or star power as some of the power conference schools, but one thing they have going for them is the underdog mentality. The Ivy League schools are often overlooked in the NCAA Tournament, but that has not stopped teams like Yale from making runs and upending more highly-ranked programs.

Ivy League Success:

• Yale has been a consistent force in the Ivy League, and their success in recent years has given them the confidence and experience to compete against high-caliber teams. They are used to being in the spotlight as a team that isn’t expected to make deep runs, but has found a way to succeed in March.
• Last year, Yale earned an automatic bid to the tournament after winning the Ivy League Tournament. While they didn’t make a deep run, their experience in the tournament has served them well this season. The Bulldogs are poised to make the most of their second chance in the NCAA Tournament.

Yale knows that they won’t be the favorites in this matchup, and they’ll likely embrace the role of the underdog. That mentality often leads to a more aggressive, fearless style of play. They will have nothing to lose and will play with the kind of chip on their shoulder that makes teams dangerous in the tournament. The Aggies will need to be wary of the Bulldogs’ scrappy, competitive nature, as Yale will play with the intensity of a team that’s out to prove everyone wrong.

3. Key Players to Watch: The Impact of Jalen Gabbidon and Azar Swain

While Yale is known for being a solid, well-coached team, they also have some individual players capable of making a major impact in this game. Jalen Gabbidon and Azar Swain are two standout players who could be the difference-makers in this matchup.

Jalen Gabbidon: The Defensive Leader

• Jalen Gabbidon is one of Yale’s key players on the defensive end, but he can also make a significant impact offensively. As a versatile guard, Gabbidon has the ability to guard multiple positions, which will be crucial when defending Texas A&M’s backcourt. He is adept at reading the game and can force turnovers, making him a constant threat on both ends of the floor.
• Gabbidon is also capable of stepping up in big moments. Whether it’s hitting key shots, making the right passes, or shutting down opponents, his all-around game will be essential for Yale if they hope to pull off an upset in the opening round.

Azar Swain: The Scoring Threat

• Azar Swain is Yale’s primary scoring option, capable of putting up points in bunches. Swain has been the team’s go-to offensive weapon, and he has the potential to be a game-changer in the tournament. With his ability to score from all three levels—inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc—Swain can pose a serious problem for Texas A&M’s defense.
• Swain has a quick release on his shot and is particularly dangerous from the three-point line. If he gets hot early, he could spark an offensive run for Yale, which could put Texas A&M on their heels. The Aggies will need to prioritize slowing down Swain and making sure he doesn’t get open looks from beyond the arc.

The X-Factor: Yale’s Bench Depth

While the Bulldogs’ starting lineup gets most of the attention, it’s important to note that they also have solid depth off the bench. Yale’s role players can contribute significant minutes and provide a boost when the starters need rest. This balance between starters and bench players gives Yale the flexibility to rotate fresh bodies in and out without sacrificing intensity. If Texas A&M is unable to match Yale’s depth, they could struggle over the course of a full game.

Texas A&M’s Keys to Success Against Yale

While Yale will be a tough opponent, Texas A&M has the tools to overcome their challenge and advance to the next round. The Aggies are coming into this matchup with plenty of talent, experience, and motivation to perform at a high level. To succeed in the first round, here are some of the things Texas A&M must focus on:

1. Limit Turnovers and Protect the Basketball:

Texas A&M’s biggest Achilles’ heel has been their tendency to turn the ball over. Yale’s defense thrives on forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. The Aggies will need to take care of the ball, make smart decisions, and avoid giving Yale easy points in transition. They will also need to be patient with their offensive possessions, ensuring they get high-quality shots and avoid rushed decisions.

2. Dominate the Paint:

Texas A&M has the size and strength to dominate inside, and they will need to exploit that advantage against Yale. While the Bulldogs are a well-coached and disciplined team, they can be vulnerable to teams with significant size in the frontcourt. Aggies players like Henry Coleman III and Julius Marble II will need to use their physicality to control the paint, secure rebounds, and get easy buckets in the post.

3. Contain Swain and Gabbidon:

Yale’s best players—Azar Swain and Jalen Gabbidon—can make life difficult for Texas A&M’s defense. The Aggies must make sure to limit Swain’s three-point attempts and contest Gabbidon’s drives to the basket. If the Aggies can contain these two key players, it will go a long way in shutting down Yale’s offense and limiting their scoring opportunities.

4. Focus on Defensive Discipline:

While Texas A&M has been a strong defensive team this season, they will need to ramp up their focus in the tournament. Yale’s offense is balanced and can score in a variety of ways. The Aggies will need to stay disciplined and avoid letting Yale get into any offensive rhythm. By communicating well on defense, rotating quickly, and closing out on shooters, Texas A&M can keep Yale from getting easy looks and potentially pulling off an upset.

A Strong Test for Texas A&M in Round One

The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and Yale is a team that has the potential to make things difficult for Texas A&M. While the Aggies are the higher-seeded team, they will need to be sharp in all facets of the game to avoid being caught off guard by the Bulldogs’ tough defense and dynamic playmakers. If Texas A&M sticks to their strengths—particularly on defense—and executes well on offense, they should have what it takes to advance to the next round.

However, Yale’s scrappy, underdog mentality and their ability to defend and score make them a formidable opponent. Texas A&M must approach this game with focus, discipline, and the determination to prove themselves as one of the tournament’s top teams. The Aggies are certainly capable of making a deep run, but the first round will be a crucial test.