Bucky McMillan and Texas A&M Basketball went into Tuscaloosa to take on the Crimson Tide but come up just short of victory as they lose 100-97. With the loss, the Aggies fall to 17-5 overall, 7-2 in conference, and 36th in the NET rankings. With the win, the Crimson Tide improve to 15-7 overall, 5-4 in the SEC, and 23rd in the NET rankings.
The game was well within the Aggies' grasp, but a late push by the Tide was just enough to hold off the Aggies in the end. On paper, this game was practically even. The Aggies had better shooting percentages, but the Tide outrebounded the Aggies by 8, made 3 more three pointers and two more free throws. Turnovers weren't really a factor for either team as they both had 6 apiece.
Despite the loss, the Aggies proved that they can compete with anyone in the SEC and could definitely be a threat come March. The Aggies play a certain way, and it's tough for many teams to keep up with. Will they win the SEC? Probably not, but a 13-5 conference record is not out of the realm of possibility whatsoever.
Texas A&M proved they can hang with the top teams nationally despite a loss
Rashaun Agee continues to be the motor that leads this team. Despite a poor rebounding performance, Agee put up 21 points to lead the team. Rylan Griffen returned to form with a 17-point, 6 rebound performance, and your breakout players of the game were Marcus Hill and Jamie Vinson. Marcus Hill had is best performance in quite a while putting up 18 points and 6 rebounds in only 24 minutes of play while Vinson put up 9 points and 4 rebounds in only 8 minutes of play.
What plagued the Aggies last night was defense, rebounding, and a lack of Ruben Dominguez. For a starter averaging over 12 points per game, Dominguez has to contribute more than 1 point in 22 minutes on the floor. He only shot the ball twice. The Aggies also needed to hold their own in the rebounding battle but couldn't keep up with Alabama's height advantage. Finally, defense let them down big time, 26 fouls, and 6 opposing players in double figures scoring is not a recipe to win a game.
The Aggies still have everything to play for, and a lot of basketball to still be played as they turn their focus to the Florida Gators who they host on Saturday night. The Gators are red hot after a slow start to the season but unfortunately for the Aggies, they seem to have found their form and will have an even bigger height advantage than Alabama did. Check back tomorrow for my full preview of Saturday's matchup as the Aggies host the Florida Gators.