Texas A&M (13-4, 2-2 SEC) has now endured back-to-back SEC losses, culminating in Tuesday’s 81-69 loss to No. 8 Kentucky in another lopsided shooting performance.
Led by senior guard Zhuric Phelps’ 21 points, the Aggies’ failure to find any offensive flow started late in the first half. Coach Buzz Williams’ odd game plan included too many 3-point attempts, even though A&M’s five three-pointers tied the team’s season average.
Sometimes, the shots fall, but just like in Saturday’s loss to Alabama, Texas A&M is missing senior guard Wade Taylor IV’s leadership at point guard. Phelps and fellow senior guard Manny Obaseki (12 points) are scoring guards who are always looking for their own shot.
For the sixth time in seven games, former Minnesota forward Pharrel Payne has produced double-digit scoring efforts, netting 15 points, and was a perfect 5-5 from the floor. Payne’s impact off the bench has been the bright spot in both losses.
For the second straight game, Texas A&M lost the rebounding back 31-40, while the Aggies struggled from the free-throw line yet again, finishing 16-25 from the stripe.
These problems are fixable, but this team is desperate for Taylor’s return to the lineup, which could return as soon as Saturday’s home game vs. LSU.
GAME NOTES:
- Transfer Zhuric Phelps (21 points) and Pharrel Payne (15 points) led the Aggies in scoring
- Texas A&M was outrebounded 40-31
- 39.0% FG / 23.3% 3PT / 64.0% FT
Texas A&M will return home to host LSU in Reed Arena on Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on the SEC Network.
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