We’re on floor-slap watch to start our Saturday, with an intriguing noon tip-off between defensive stalwarts Tennessee and Texas A&M. It’s a critical SEC game considering the double-bye conference tournament format, with the Aggies and Volunteers tied for fourth and sixth, respectively.
How to watch No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers at No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies
The visitors are 6-4 against ranked opponents this season, with that spirited 20-point beatdown of Florida as the highlight. They also took Auburn to the brink in The Jungle last month.
Rick Barnes’ team is shrewd against the long ball, while largely winning the foul and turnover differentials. They’re 146th nationally in shooting, but No. 1 in opposing percentage. Tennessee was down by 16 against Vanderbilt last time out, but forged a furious comeback behind Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier. The Vols had just five turnovers. No one will argue that Zeigler and Lanier are the most efficient shooters, and no one will confuse the Vols for a score-first operation, but even competent offense really carves out Tennessee’s ceiling considering their discipline on the other end.
Buzz Williams and the Aggies are not expecting to join a bucket-fest. Like Tennessee, they lead with their defense. Texas A&M tops the nation in second-chance rebounding, though, somewhat buoying Division I’s 138th-ranked offense. Wade Taylor IV is a capable bucket at his best, but he has been very far from that across his last nine tries … shooting just 30 percent on 2s and up to three turnovers per game. Zhuric Phelps is a bandit, with two steals per game.
A&M had won five in a row before a Starkville stumble at Mississippi State. That loss was gnarly, with as many turnovers as made baskets, but this defense is strong and comfortable in the mud. Plus, the Reed Arena home advantage is certainly palpable.
Dave Pasch will have the call, accompanied by Fran Fraschilla on analysis.
Updated SEC odds
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