Texas A&M’s (13-3, 2-2 SEC) once-perfect conference record has become ancient history, as the Aggies have lost consecutive matchups over the last three days, including Tuesday’s defeat at the hands of No. 8 Kentucky on the road, falling 81-69.
Before facing the Wildcats in Rupp Arena, Texas A&M senior guard Wade Taylor IV missed his third straight game and fourth of the year. The team’s leading scorer is still dealing with a lower-body issue that coach Buzz Williams has kept under wraps ever since.
In a nutshell, Texas A&M’s offense couldn’t find any rhythm against a poor Kentucky defense that shut the Aggies down inside. Many of these issues stem from A&M’s excessive three-point shooting, which resulted in twelve misses in the second half.
However, the lone bright spot in the paint was reserve forward Pharrel Payne, who has been one of the most efficient players in the country. The junior finished 5-5 from the field for 15 points and is now 32-35 from the floor, leading the NCAA at 91.4% against Power 5 opponents.
While Payne could quickly start, Williams depends on him to provide a spark off the bench, especially with Taylor out of the lineup. Still, Payne’s iso scoring is impressive, but until Taylor returns to run the point, his efficiency will be counted on to get the Aggies in rhythm.
As TexAgs; Luke Evangelist pointed out, Payne’s free throw shooting has also improved in his last nine games, shooting 68.7% after shooting a dismal 42.8% in the first eight games.
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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