Bucky McMillan and Texas A&M Basketball host their final game at Reed Arena tomorrow night as they host the Kentucky Wildcats. The Aggies enter the game with a 19-10 overall record, 9-7 in SEC play, and 43rd in the NET rankings. The Wildcats are coming in with a similar 19-10 overall record, 10-6 in SEC play, and 27th in the NET rankings.
The Aggies could really use a win tomorrow. After going 2-6 in the month of February, they need some wins down the stretch to show the committee that they belong in the tournament. In today's update, the Bracket Matrix has Texas A&M at the bottom of the 10-seed line, just off the bubble. A win tomorrow would definitely allow the Aggies to feel safer about their postseason chances.
Texas A&M basketball has one last big opportunity against Kentucky
On paper, this seems to be a fairly even matchup. The Aggies are even 1.5-point favorites on sportsbooks. The Wildcats come in with a slightly better defensive advantage giving up fewer points per game and have slightly better rebounding and turnover numbers compared to the Aggies. On the other hand, the Aggies have more of an offensive advantage scoring more points per game and a slightly better free throw percentage and 3-point shooting percentage.
Defensively, the Aggies will be in for a tough game. Kentucky has a lot of size and talent on their team. Their offensive efforts are led by Otega Oweh who averages 17.7 points per game, and he is supported by Denzel Aberdeen, a combo guard who averages 13 ppg himself, and Collin Chandler, the sharpshooter who averages 45% from beyond the arc.
Agee and the rest of the forwards for A&M are going to have their hands full with Malachi Moreno and Mouhamed Dioubate, who combine for only 16.4 ppg, but bring in a combined 12 rebounds per game. Kentucky has size, and the Aggies are going to have to hold their own on the glass.
Offensively, the Aggies have to get the 3-point shots to fall. They can't afford another shooting night like they did on Saturday, or they'll be run out of the gym. They need more contributions from guys like Ruben Dominguez and Rylan Griffen. Rashaun Agee and Marcus Hill cannot carry this team on their backs. The Aggies did a great job not turning the ball over on Saturday, but their rebounding in the past two games has been horrendous. They must hold their own on the glass if they want a hope of winning this game.
It'll likely be another close game tomorrow night. The Aggies will have to dig deep if they hope to come out on top. Check back after the game tomorrow night for our full reaction and analysis.