Tennessee Vs. Texas A&M Preview and Prediction
The Tennessee basketball Volunteers will be in College Station tomorrow night to take on the Texas A&M Aggies (7 Central Time, ESPN). This game is an opportunity for the Vols to continue their recent hot streak and further bolster their case for a 1-seed. For the Aggies though who are currently a 10-seed in Joe Lunardi’s most recent Bracketology update, this game could move them up the seed line a ton. Reed Arena has been a tough place to play this year for opposing teams, and with the Vols being ranked 6th in the country you know that building will be rocking. The Vols will need their A-game on Saturday night to beat a team that is looking for a big-time win at home, and if they can accomplish these 3 things they should secure another SEC victory.
Win the rebounding battle
The Aggies are one of the best rebounding teams in college basketball ranking 3rd in the country with 39.9 rebounds per game. The Vols are no slouch rebounding the ball either, but in the games they’ve lost this year rebounding has been an issue. Last time out against LSU there were several possesions where LSU batted the ball back towards halfcourt after a missed shot that got them a fresh 20 on the shot clock. During the Vol’s last loss against South Carolina, they gave up what seemed like 20 offensive rebounds, and many times the Gamecocks cashed in on those second chances. If the Vols can go into Reed Arena and neutralize the Aggie’s calling card, it will make it difficult for A&M to keep up with the high-flying Vol offense.
2. Defend without fouling
If you’ve watched the Aggies play for the last two years you know that they emphasize getting to the free throw line. Wade Taylor IV is by far the best offensive player for the Aggies, but he doesn’t always shoot a very good percentage from the floor. What he does do well though is get to the line, and the same can be said for his backcourt sidekick Tyrece Radford. Taylor IV and Radford pace the Aggies on offense, but if the Vols can limit their chances at the line they will struggle to break 30 points combined.
3. Be more physical while still playing fast
The Aggies are going to try and play this game at a snail’s pace and outmuscle the Vols in a low-scoring affair. The Vols can not allow the Aggies to dictate how this game is going to be played. The Vols must force the Aggies to go fast, and when the Aggies do try to drag the game into the mud they need to push back both literally and figuratively. Run down the floor, box out, play through the inevitable uncalled fouls, and win the damn game. Simple as.