Texas A&M @ Alabama preview

Texas A&M at Alabama

Last Meeting ( Feb 25, 2017 ) Alabama 53, Texas A&M 56

After an impressive run through the non-conference schedule, No. 6 Texas A&M opens SEC play Saturday at Alabama. The Crimson Tide will be the first Power Five opponent for the Aggies since a 67-64 loss to Arizona on Dec. 5 marked their only setback thus far.

Texas A&M has won four straight since losing to the Wildcats and is coming off an 89-73 win over Buffalo on Dec. 21. The Aggies will be short-handed for this one, as DJ Hogg (14.5 points) serves the second contest of a three-game suspension for violation of school policy and Admon Gilder (12.7 points) is out with a knee injury. The Crimson Tide are looking to bounce back from their worst offensive performance of the season in a 66-50 loss to Texas on Dec. 22, which marked their fourth loss in seven games. Alabama leads the all-time series 10-5, including a 5-1 mark at home against the Aggies, and has won three of the past four meetings.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (11-1): The Aggies get after it on defense, ranking fourth in the nation in field-goal defense (36.1 percent) and 3-point defense (26.8 percent), as well as fifth in blocked shots per game (6.7). They’re also excellent on the boards thanks to Tyler Davis (13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds) and Robert Williams (7.3, 10.1). Freshman swingman Savion Flagg (8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds) has stepped up in Hogg and Gilder’s absence and was named SEC Freshman of the Week after averaging 16.5 points and nine rebounds in two wins.

ABOUT ALABAMA (8-4): The Crimson Tide have found themselves in plenty of close games early on, going 4-2 in contests decided by five points or fewer. That might not be ideal for a team that leans on freshmen as its top two scorers, as guards Collin Sexton (20.5 points) and John Petty (12.9) lead the way. Alabama has gotten good production from forward Donta Hall (11.1 points, 7.5 rebounds) and swingman Dazon Ingram (10.9, 6.7), but they will have tough matchups against Texas A&M’s towering frontcourt.

TIP-INS

1. Alabama coach Avery Johnson is one win shy of 300 at the NBA (254) and collegiate (45) levels.

2. Each of the last three meetings and four of the past six have been decided by three points or fewer.

3. Texas A&M PG Duane Wilson (12.3 points, 4.6 assists) averaged 19.5 points and seven assists in two games last week.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 73, Alabama 69