Alabama is coming off a big win on the road against LSU. The Crimson Tide remain atop the SEC with a 9-2 conference record. Their challenger on Saturday will be a Texas A&M squad that is on the cusp of being a bubble team in the NCAA Tournament. A loss earlier in the week to Vanderbilt did not do the Aggies any justice. A win against Alabama would certainly go a long way with their chances of potentially reaching the NCAA Tournament.
In the past, Alabama head coach Nate Oats and his previous teams have struggled to come away with wins in College Station. Much to the chagrin of Texas A&M, the Crimson Tide have the luxury of playing the Aggies inside Coleman Coliseum on Saturday
Alabama has lost one game at home this season. That came in non-conference play against Clemson. Outside of that, the Crimson Tide have taken care of business on their home floor.
Texas A&M is led by veteran guards Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece “Boots” Radford. The two combine to average 34.9 points per game and shoot 39.5% from the floor. Their play will likely determine the outcome of the game. The Aggies typically make things difficult from a defensive standpoint. Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams places a heavy emphasis on placing tough defense.
Alabama’s guard play has improved tremendously over the course of the season. Rylan Griffen, Aaron Estrada, and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. have each stepped up in big ways to contribute to the scoring efforts of senior guard Mark Sears.
Texas A&M will make things challenging for Alabama over the course of the game. However, Alabama will prevail late in the second half. My final score prediction is Alabama 78, Texas A&M 64.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama men’s basketball program.
