2. Suffocating defense
Arkansas came into College Station on a hot streak. While the Aggies had dropped consecutive games the Razorbacks had won three in a row and four of their last five. They’d done that, for the most part, with tremendous shooting and plenty of offense.
Arkansas averages 83.9 points per game, second in the SEC to Auburn. They’re not overly reliant on any one phase of the game. The Hogs have found success inside, outside and up and down their roster. Four different players average double-digits in scoring.
Texas A&M shut Arkansas down. The Razorbacks shot a modest 41 percent from the field, turned the ball over 13 times and were never able to get into any sort of rhythem. Daryl Macon got his 20 points and Jaylen Barford had 19 points, but neither shot 50 percent from the field.
Hero ball can work in college basketball, but it takes a special player and an incredible game. Macon and Barford weren’t able to beat the Aggies on their own. Texas A&M knew that, and was able to limit them and stifle the rest of the Razorbacks’ offense.