Texas A&M (11-2) will host Texas (11-2) to open SEC play on Saturday night, as the Aggies look to extend their six-game winning the program’s heated rival, as both teams will meet for the first time on the court since 2019.
For coach Buzz Williams, Texas A&M’s elite defense and rebounding are the primary reasons for the early season success. Still, the offense has also improved behind enhanced perimeter shooting and star guard Wade Taylor IV’s maturity as the team’s true point guard and decision-maker.
However, the SEC is stacked from top to bottom this season, including ten ranked teams. All 16 programs have accumulated double-digit victories, including a 12-1 Vanderbilt team.
Needing to be as healthy as possible heading into conference play, especially to start the new year, the first SEC availability report showed two healthy teams ready to clash for a Saturday night showdown.
Texas A&M injury list
None
Texas Longhorns injury list
None
The first SEC men’s basketball student-athlete availability report has been posted.
Both No. 13 Texas A&M and Texas are reporting all players are available ahead of Saturday’s Lone Star Showdown. pic.twitter.com/tEILXEqSXu
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) January 4, 2025
From a matchup standpoint, this is great news for Texas A&M, as junior forward Pharrel Payne will likely play extended minutes to counter Texas forward Arthur Kaluma.
Texas A&M will host Texas on Saturday, Jan. 4, at 7:00 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.
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