Texas A&M basketball has found its footing after a rough patch, shaking off a four-game skid that had Aggie fans on edge. With just four games left before the conference tournament, the Aggies are on the brink of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
So, what’s the game plan for Texas A&M to ensure their place among the field of 68? Ideally, they’d like to be comfortably above the cutoff, and there’s still some room to maneuver, which is a relief for the Aggie faithful.
This Wednesday presents the toughest test remaining on their schedule, with a high-stakes clash against Arkansas. Darius Acuff Jr., a potential lottery pick, leads the charge for Arkansas, posing a significant challenge with his scoring prowess.
The Aggies aren’t the favorites in this matchup, and for good reason. John Calipari’s squad is vying for a top-four seed and has been flawless in non-Quad 1 games. With the Aggies sitting at 42nd in the NET rankings, this game is a Quad 2 opportunity for the Razorbacks.
Next up, Texas A&M faces off against their rivals, the Texas Longhorns. The Aggies triumphed in their first meeting in Austin, and they’ll look to repeat that success at home. However, Sean Miller’s team, featuring another likely lottery pick in Dailyn Swain, has been on an upswing, so this game is far from a sure thing.
Following that, the Aggies host Kentucky. If they stumble against Arkansas, this matchup becomes crucial as a potential statement win. Kentucky, ranked 29th in the NET, presents a formidable challenge, with the Aggies’ best win so far against 33rd-ranked Auburn.
The regular season wraps up with a trip to LSU. While LSU shouldn’t be underestimated, they don’t quite measure up to the other opponents. The Aggies edged out a three-point victory at home earlier in the season, so they’ll need to stay sharp in Baton Rouge.
A 1-3 finish in these games would be concerning, but a 2-2 record might just secure their tournament bid. Going 3-1 would virtually guarantee it. A win over Arkansas would be a massive boost, though it’s arguably the toughest of the remaining games.
Even at 1-3, hope wouldn’t be lost. The conference tournament offers a chance for redemption and a shot at a big win, especially against top-tier conference opponents.
The goal is clear: aim for at least three wins out of these last four games. We know Bucky Ball can hang with the best in the conference, even if closing out games has been a challenge.
The next big test is this Wednesday against Arkansas. Let’s see how the Aggies rise to the occasion.