Texas A&M (13-3, 2-1 SEC) will face another test in SEC play, as the conference looks like an absolute juggernaut after two weeks of the game, while the Aggies’ 2-1 start is impressive, especially without star guard Wade Taylor IV on the court for the last two matchups.
On Tuesday, the Aggies will face No. 8 Kentucky on the road inside Rupp Arena, looking to pull off another road victory after defeating Oklahoma last Wednesday.
Following a strong nonconference showing, Texas A&M’s NCAA Tournament resume remains among the best nationwide. However, the Aggies need to conclude conference play with a record of .500 or better to guarantee a top 5 seed in March.
Just three days after the Aggies’ 94-88 home loss to Alabama, the latest SEC Availability report revealed that A&M will be without Wade Taylor for the third consecutive game. The senior’s lower-body injury will more than likely keep him sidelined until Saturday’s home game against LSU.
Kentucky’s offense, ranked third nationally, just below Alabama, has been a problem for every opponent, as the Wildcats’ spread-out attack will be a problem for Texas A&M’s perimeter defense, which has struggled as of late.
Favored by nearly seven points, here is how ESPN FPI predicts the matchup will go:
ESPN FPI:
Texas A&M: 39.6% chance to win
Kentucky: 60.5% chance to win
It’s no surprise that Kentucky is a significant favorite to win outright, especially at home, and given the Aggies’ past road issues early in conference play, it will take a perfect outing from the Maroon & White to pull off the upset.
Texas A&M will return to face No. 6 Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Jan. 14 at 6:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on ESPN2.
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