Texas A&M basketball faces off against the UCF Knights tonight at Reed Arena. This is the fourth game of the season for both teams, who each come into tonight's contest with a 2-1 record. Both teams lost to their only Power 5 opponents this season.
The Aggies have had a fairly long break for basketball standards. They were blown out in their last game, on Sunday, by the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 87-63. UCF, on the other hand, had a 37-point blowout win over Florida A&M on Tuesday night. Depending on the sportsbook, the Aggies are favored by anywhere between 10-11.5 points.
Through three games this season, the Aggies have 5 total players averaging in double figures for points. But consistency among their top players seem to be the main issue.
Texas A&M welcomes UCF to Reed in search of consistent offense, first Power 5 win
It is also worth noting that three games into the season, star transfer guard Pop Isaacs has yet to record more than 8 points in a game. If the Aggies really want a shot this year at the NCAA tournament, their stars need to step it up, big time.
The good news for the Aggies is that fellow star transfer Mackenzie Mgbako will hopefully be back from injury by the end of the month.
So how do the Aggies win tonight? It starts with the little things - rebounding and defense. If the Aggies can rebound and defend well more turnovers will come, more fast breaks will come, more offensive possessions will come.
UCF has four players currently averaging double digits in scoring this year. Their leading scorer, Riley Kugel, is currently averaging 20 points per game. The Aggies will either need to find a way to contain him or will need to contain the rest of the team.
So can Bucky McMillan and the Aggies get their first Power 5 win of the season? My guess is yes, but we will get to see it all unfold tonight at Reed Arena.