The Texas A&M Aggies are heating up at just the right time. Sitting at 14-4 overall and 4-1 in SEC play, they’ve won seven of their last eight games and are coming off a gritty 74-70 road win over in-state rival Texas-a victory that not only extended their hot streak but also brought the Lone Star Trophy back to College Station.
Now, the Aggies return to Reed Arena with momentum on their side, but the task ahead is far from easy. Mississippi State rolls into town on Wednesday night, bringing with them one of the SEC’s most dynamic scorers in freshman guard Josh Hubbard.
He’s explosive, he’s fearless, and he’s capable of taking over a game in a heartbeat. That makes this a high-alert matchup for an A&M squad that thrives on defensive intensity and controlled chaos.
Head coach Bucky McMillan has this team playing with pace, pressure, and purpose. But to keep that engine running at full throttle, he needs depth-and that’s where things get interesting heading into this one.
Zach Clemence, who saw limited minutes against Texas due to illness, is still not 100%, though he’s trending in the right direction. He remains on the availability report, but the good news is he’s listed as Probable, meaning there’s a solid chance he suits up and contributes. Clemence’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions is a key piece of what A&M does, especially against a physical Mississippi State frontcourt.
Joining him on the injury report is sophomore forward Jamie Vinson, also battling an illness. Like Clemence, he’s listed as Probable. It’s not ideal, but if both are able to go, even in limited spurts, that gives McMillan the flexibility he needs to keep rotations fresh and legs moving-critical against a Bulldogs team that likes to impose its will in the paint and wear opponents down.
The Aggies have been thriving on energy and execution, and they’ll need both in spades Wednesday night. Hubbard’s ability to get downhill, shoot from deep, and draw fouls makes him a constant threat, and Mississippi State’s physical style means A&M’s bigs will need to bring their hard hats.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CT at Reed Arena, with the game airing on the SEC Network.
It’s a big one, not just for standings, but for setting a tone as the SEC schedule hits its midseason grind. The Aggies are playing confident, connected basketball-and if they can keep that up against a tough Mississippi State squad, it’ll be another strong step forward in what’s shaping up to be a compelling conference run.