Texas A&M (8-4) has endured one of the most demanding non-conference schedules this season, enduring four close losses to Florida Atlantic, Virginia (on the road), Memphis, and the No. 4-ranked Houston Cougars in the Toyota Center.
Yes, losses are losses, but after head coach Buzz Williams received criticism for what was viewed as a “weak schedule” despite finishing second in the SEC and reaching the SEC Championship game for the second consecutive season.
Already challenged week to week, the Aggies are ready for SEC play but have already dealt with plenty of roster-based adversity due to senior point guard Tyrece Radford’s injury issues and senior forward Julius Marble’s cryptic off-the-court “University process” that has prevented him from playing in any games thus far.
However, ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi still believes that A&M is poised to compete in SEC play and finish strong before March Madness approaches in mid-March, positioning the Aggies as a six seed with the possibility of facing Virginia Tech and, yes, the Texas Longhorns.
While it’s not surprising that ESPN is desperate to see the Aggies face the Longhorns before Texas officially joins the SEC in 2024, Lunardi’s new-found early season respect for the Maroon & White likely has to do with the earlier schedule that the selection committee will refer to once the bracket begins to take shape early next year.
Texas A&M will finish the non-conference schedule by hosting Prairie View A&M (5-7) on Saturday, Dec. 30. The game will air on the SEC Network at 6:00 p.m. CT.
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