An exciting matchup between the 10^th-seed Colorado State Rams (26-10) and seventh-seed Texas Longhorns (20-12) will occur in the opening round of the Men's Basketball Championship Midwest Region. The game is scheduled at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday, March 21^st, at 6:50 PM ET. According to the odds, the Longhorns are predicted to triumph, with a point spread of -2.5 (-110).

The Rams have positive momentum entering this matchup. They recently defeated the 10^th-seed Virginia Cavaliers in the First Four battle to start the tournament. In that matchup, Joel Scott scored 23 points and 11 rebounds to carry them forward.

Isaiah Stevens will be another key player to watch for the team's chance at success. He is currently leading them with 16.2 points and 6.9 assists per game.

The Rams average 76.1 points per game, placing them at 104^th nationally in scoring. Their offensive efficiency is 113.3, securing them the 44^th spot in the rankings. This is a coin flip for the better offense compared to the Longhorns.

Defensively, they give up an average of 67.4 points per game, earning them 59^th in this aspect. Their defensive efficiency rate is 100.6, placing them 96^th nationally. This is also close to the Longhorns, as both teams operate in a similar fashion.

The Longhorns are 3-2 in their last five games and are coming off a 78-74 defeat to the Kansas State Wildcats in the second round of the Big 12 Championship. Max Abmas led with 26 points and four assists in the loss, and the Longhorns only shot 26.1 percent from the field.

Abmas leads the team with 17.1 points and 4.3 assists a game. His dominance early to set the tone will be a considerable factor in determining how well their offense runs against a similarly talented team.

The Longhorns stand at 93^rd nationally for their scoring average of 76.5 points per game, with an offensive efficiency rating of 111.8, placing them 66^th. This sets them up nicely against the Rams.

On the defensive end, they limit opponents to 69.9 points per game, ranking 107^th. Their defensive efficiency rating is 102.1, placing them 133^rd overall. Despite both teams boasting respectable statistics, the games are often decided by just a few points.

MyBookie presents the current odds for this first-round action, with the Texas Longhorns holding a 2.5-point advantage as favorites. Market analysis indicates a strong likelihood of victory for the Longhorns, with odds favoring them at 70.9 percent. Take the Longhorns, who have battled arguably in a tougher conference to show resilience.