The race in the SEC heats up on Wednesday when the Texas A&M Aggies host the Kentucky Wildcats. Even though the Wildcats are considered frontrunners in the SEC, the Aggies are one of two teams still undefeated in SEC play. However, Texas A&M is a 7.5-point home underdog against Kentucky, with the over/under set at 144 points.
Even though they are 15-2 and 4-0 in conference play, Texas A&M is still lacking signature wins. Their most impressive wins this year have come against Notre Dame and Oregon State. Even in SEC play, Texas A&M has knocked off most of the teams at the bottom of the standings.
To some extent, the Wildcats are also lacking signature wins, losing to both Duke and Notre Dame earlier this season. Kentucky also lost to LSU earlier this month, failing to capitalize on another opportunity to win a big game. However, the Wildcats have rattled off three straight wins, including a 107-79 blowout of Tennessee over the weekend, so they are coming off their best game of the season.
Man in the Middle
For Kentucky, so much of what they do revolves around Oscar Tshiebwe, who has been a double-double machine this season. The West Virginia transfer is averaging 16.5 points and 14.9 rebounds per game and also makes a difference on the defensive end. The Wildcats also have four other players who average at least 10 points per game, including Keion Brooks, who also brings size and physicality to the frontcourt.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats have a stacked backcourt that’s led by freshman TyTy Washington, who is averaging 14.5 points and 4.8 assists per game. Keep in mind that Washington shares the ball-handling duties with Sahvir Wheeler, who is averaging 7.3 assists per game. In addition to Washington, Kellan Grady and Davion Mintz provide Kentucky with two capable outside shooters.
Team Effort
Texas A&M may not have Kentucky’s star power, but Buzz Williams goes at least ten deep most games and gets contributions from all over the place. The Aggies will typically play three or four guards at one time and have six guards who average at least six points per game. Quenton Jackson and Marcus Williams average double figures, but the other guards are capable of getting going as well.
In the frontcourt, so much revolves around Duke transfer Henry Coleman, who averages 11 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The Aggies hope to get some production out of Ethan Henderson and Javonte Brown, although neither is a guarantee to make a meaningful contribution. Outside of those three players, the Aggies don’t have anyone taller than 6’6’’, so size can be an issue for them.
The Rubber Meets the Road
Nothing about Texas A&M’s schedule before now can prepare them for facing Kentucky. The Aggies will be challenged by Tshiebwe and Kentucky’s physicality inside while also hoping that their backcourt depth can match up enough Kentucky’s high-end talent at the guard positions.
It’s fair to be skeptical of Texas A&M, so bet on the Wildcats to win and cover on the road.
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