Texas A&M is making a strong case for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, following a crucial 75-71 victory over Oklahoma. This win marks their second consecutive triumph, snapping a previous four-game losing streak with a win against Ole Miss. Sitting at 19-8 overall and 9-5 in SEC play, the Aggies are on the brink of postseason play, likely needing just two more wins to solidify their spot.
With four games left in the regular season, Texas A&M faces a significant challenge against No. 20 Arkansas.
While daunting, the Aggies have proven they can handle tough road games, having already battled Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee away from home. They narrowly lost to Alabama by three points and took Tennessee to double overtime earlier in the season, showcasing their resilience.
A win against Arkansas would almost certainly punch their ticket to the tournament. However, even if they fall short, victories in their remaining home games against Texas and Kentucky, along with a season finale at LSU, could secure their standing. Adding a couple of wins in the SEC Tournament could even boost them to a 7 or 8-seed.
ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi notes that while Texas A&M isn't a lock yet, they're in good company with Georgia, Kentucky, and Auburn as teams that "should be in." If the Aggies finish strong, they'll join Florida, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Arkansas in securing a bid.
Their recent victories have been pivotal. After a four-game skid dropped them from "should be in" to "work to do," the comeback against Ole Miss and the solid win at Oklahoma have revived their tournament hopes. Currently ranked 10th in the SEC résumé rankings, they remain on the bubble, but a fourth Quadrant 1 win has significantly boosted their profile, with consensus odds now at 79%.
Texas A&M will take on No. 20 Arkansas on Wednesday, February 25, at 8:00 p.m. CT, with the game airing on ESPN2.