In an exciting match-up set for Sunday at 8:40 p.m. ET on TNT, the Houston Cougars will face off against the Texas A&M Aggies in a Lone Star State battle in the second round of the tournament. The game, which promises to be a defensive slugfest, will take place in Spokane.

Earlier in the season, Houston narrowly won the contest against Texas A&M, but the Aggies were missing their second-leading scorer, Tyrece Radford. Now fully equipped, the Aggies will be looking for redemption and a chance to prove themselves against their in-state rivals.

Houston's success in this game will hinge on their shooting performance. While they excel in many aspects of the game, including turnover margin and shot-blocking, their shooting efficiency has been lacking. To secure a victory, the Cougars must find their rhythm from beyond the arc and make their shots count against Texas A&M's defense, which is not particularly strong.

On the other hand, Texas A&M's poor shooting percentage, ranked 339th in the nation, adds an element of unpredictability to the game. The Aggies have shown they can have hot shooting nights, but there are also times when their shots simply don't fall. Houston's strong defense has the ability to disrupt their opponents' shooting rhythm, creating opportunities for the Cougars to capitalize.

Expect a low-scoring affair, as both teams prioritize defense. In their previous encounter, the game ended with a score of 70-66, even with Houston draining 11 three-pointers and Wade Taylor IV scoring 34 points. It is highly likely that this second-round game will follow suit, keeping the scoring in check.

In another intriguing match-up on Sunday at 9:40 p.m. ET on TBS, the San Diego State Aztecs will take on the Yale Bulldogs. Originally set to face Auburn, the Aztecs now have the chance to showcase their defensive prowess against Yale in a bid to advance in the tournament.

San Diego State will rely on Jaedon LeDee to draw fouls and disrupt Yale's defense. LeDee's knack for drawing fouls was instrumental in the Aztecs' opening win against UAB, and if he can get Yale's key shot-blocker, Danny Wolf, into foul trouble, it will give San Diego State a significant advantage.

Yale, known for their strong interior defense, will aim to stifle San Diego State's scoring in the paint. If they can force the Aztecs to settle for more perimeter shots, it could limit their offensive production. The Bulldogs have shown their resilience against tough opponents this season with competitive performances against Kansas and Gonzaga.

With both teams coming off nail-biting victories in the first round, this match-up has the potential to go down to the wire. Yale's historical performance against tough opponents makes them a strong underdog candidate, and they will look to leverage their previous experience to keep the game close.

In summary, the second round of the tournament promises two exciting contests featuring defensive battles and suspenseful finishes. Houston and Texas A&M will go head-to-head in a Lone Star State clash, while San Diego State will face Yale in a game that could defy expectations. Basketball fans should prepare for an exhilarating Sunday night of college hoops.