Texas A&M Preview

A&M is 8 and 1 on the season with their only loss coming against Boston College. The Aggies won their most recent game against Prairie View A&M 87-63. Their toughest challenge this season has been the game against then #20 Temple, winning a close game 54-51. A&M took the lead with 18.5 seconds remaining (52-51) off a put back by B.J. Holmes and hit two free throws to seal the lead at 54-51.

Khris Middleton is leading the Aggies in scoring with 13.8 points per game followed by David Loubeau (10.4), BJ Holmes (10.0), and Nathan Walkup (9.9)

The Aggies are currently getting 41 rebounds per game and is second in the nation with a +13 rebound margin. David Loubeau leads the team in rebounding with 5.3 rpg. Middleton grabs 4.9 per game and Kourtney Roberson brings down 4.8 per game.

10 players are averaging 10+ minutes a game, 6 of those average 20+ a game.

The Aggies are also averaging 16 assist, 6 steals, 2 blocks, and 14 turnovers per game. They have won 56 consecutive non-conference home games.

Four of the five starters for the Aggies have made 11 or more 3 pointers. Walkup is leading the team in percentage on 11 for 21 shooting. Holmes leads in makes with 17 of 41.

Last season UW played Texas A&M at home, winning 73-64 after a horrific broken leg suffered by Derrick Roland. He came down awkward after jumping up for a rebound resulting in a compound fracture. To say the least, his leg was folded underneath him and it was by far the most gruesome thing I have seen in person.

The Aggies are averaging 74.7 ppg while holding their opponents to 56.1 ppg and 37.1% from the field.

Starting Line Up


Texas A&M


B.J. Holmes 5-11 175 lb G
Dash Harris 6-1 175 lb G
Nathan Walkup 6-7 210 lb F
Khris Middleton 6-7 215 lb F
David Loubeau 6-8 230 lb F

Washington


Isaiah Thomas 5-9 185 lb SG
Abdul Gaddy 6-3 195 lb PG
Justin Holiday 6-6 185 lb F
Darnell Gant 6-8 225 lb F
Aziz N'Diaye 7-0 260 lb C

Keys to the Game


Rebounding


A&M is a very good rebounding team bringing in 41 a game and having a +13 rebounding differential. Even in their loss to Boston College, they won the rebounding battle 29-14. They out rebounded Temple 44-28. If we can secure boards to limit their second chance opportunities as well as gaining second chance opportunities ourselves, the game will be much more comfortable and the outcome much more appealing for Huskies fans. Aziz and MBA will need to bring their A-game tomorrow along with the rest of the team. The Aggies, much like ourselves, rebound by committee, e.g. the whole team grabs boards. With 3 players averaging about 5 a game they do not possess a single dominant rebounding player like Portland had with Luke Sikma. What it does mean is that the whole team is able to box out, get possession on their man, and get the board. Something we do pretty well. Individual performances and match ups will be key in winning the rebounding battle.

Perimeter Defense


This is something MSU was able to exploit against us and Portland used to stage a small comeback. Four starters for A&M have scored 11+ 3 pointers this year. They are a solid shooting team that needs to be respected. Our players need to stay close to their man and not let screens or help defense create open shots on the perimeter. We have some of the best defenders in the nation so as long as they do their job in limiting opportunities things will be looking good.

Forcing Turnovers


The Aggies are currently averaging 14 turnovers per game. UW is averaging 12. We are also averaging 10 steals and 5 blocks per game. This means we create at least 15 turnovers per game. We are currently forcing almost 20 turnovers per game at a rate of over 25%, meaning 1 in 4 possessions by the opposition results in a turnover. Much like Portland, the Aggies play a slower game, meaning less possessions to go around so every turnover is huge. Converting those turnovers into transition points will be a big part of our offense and is a big part of our offense currently. One of our strengths is our speed and the ability to get the ball moving up the court.

3 Point Shooting


In two losses we have shot terribly from range. At home we are lights out. We need to establish a road ability to shoot the ball. We did well against Virginia in the neutral site, but proving we still have our offensive game away from Hec Ed will be huge in establishing us as a force to be reckoned with. We aren't necessarily a live by the 3, die by the 3 team yet, but it plays a major part of our game and is something we need to continue to do well. This means finding the hot player whether its CJ, Holiday, I.T., Gant, etc.

Passing


We continue to excel at passing, averaging 20 assists per game. Our shooting is so good because we make the time for one more pass to the best shot. Overton, I.T., and Gaddy are all putting up huge assist numbers and their success in crisp, accurate passes show in our scoring efforts. If we pass well we will play well.

Free Throws


Our performances from the line have been greatly improved, especially from I.T. and Aziz. If the game comes down to the wire we will need to make our free throws to avoid last years Texas Tech fiasco. Speaking of which, Elston Turner will be sitting on the bench tomorrow while he waits out his transfer season. If I am Romar, I am making sure C.J. and Overton are on the court during the final possessions as they have been excellent from the free throw line through the year and, in Overton's case, last season as well. As my father always tells me "Free Throws Win Ball Games" and it couldn't be more true. Make the easy ones, make the freebies, they are call FREE throws for a reason.

Push the Middle


Like I have said in almost every write up, the key to a good game is solid play from the inside. This comes not only from strong performances by the post players, but also driving guards. They don't need to shoot every time they get the ball in the middle, but by getting inside they will force help defense to show up meaning there is an open player on the court who needs the ball. Drive and Dish or if its a post player Catch and Pass. Don't force shots that aren't there, score the easy ones. Make a move or two, whatever it takes. Just get the ball down low and we will have a field day from outside.

Final Thoughts


If I am Romar, I'm letting MBA come off the bench the rest of the season. MBA should know that he is playing better off the bench and as a team this is the better option. His stats aren't going down, if anything they are going up. He will more than likely be the player on the court at the end of games and in reality that is the better position to be in. Aziz needs to establish some inside dominance and wear down his man so MBA can come in and have a field day. Our guards and wings need to be on their toes to prevent A&M from getting opportunities from the outside and getting into a rhythm. This should be a tougher game for the UW as A&M is a possible top 25 team and will more than likely make the NCAA tournament. They have 6 straight 20+ win seasons and have a great home record. Big games are won by big players. It's time for our team to step up and show they have what it takes to compete at the top, beat the best, and win tough games in road situations. A&M is not bad on the offensive end and they play solid defense. I see this game starting close and playing close most of the game with a final push coming near the end of the game to secure the win.

Final Score Prediction


UW-89 Texas A&M-78


Links
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