Coming off a tough road loss to Missouri, #12 Kansas State looks to return to the win column as they take on Texas A&M December 12th at 6:00 pm. The game will be aired on ESPN2.
The Texas A&M Aggies are 12-3 and are coming off a conference win over Nebraska by a score of 64-53. The Aggies possess an all-around game that the Wildcats must respect if they hope to win this game. A&M comes in with balanced scoring, but their overall numbers on offense have not been particularly wonderful as A&M ranks 11th in Big 12. Their defense, however, makes them a good team.
The Aggies only allow 62.3 points a game which ranks 6th in scoring defense in the Big 12. To put that in perspective, the Aggies allow fewer points per game than do powerhouse teams such as Texas. The Wildcats know they can score the basketball, but can they play defense? They have allowed an average of 68.1 points per game, which ranks 9th in scoring defense for the Big 12.
Both teams have problems at the free-throw line, shooting just 65%. However, Kansas State has the weapons to win this game, and to win it pretty easily. In their loss to Missouri, the Wildcats made mental mistakes, costly turnovers, and were badly out-rebounded. They were held to a season low 26 rebounds against the Tigers. Kansas State comes in to the game against A&M trying to avoid its first losing streak of the season.
Key Matchups
- Jacob Pullen vs. Donald Sloan
Each serves as the leading scorer for their respective team. It’s going to be a tough match-up for each team. Jacob Pullen is an outstanding 3-point shooter and a great player on the drive, and in my opinion, Jacob Pullen wins this matchup.
- Texas A&M vs. Wildcats defense
A&M lost one of their best players, Derrick Roland, earlier in the season. Donald Sloan and B.J Holmes are handling the scoring load. Both score in double figures, but they cannot do it all themselves. The Aggies will need balanced scoring in order to stay in the game against K-State.
- Texas A&M frontcourt vs. Kansas State frontcourt
Kansas State should have the edge on the glass. Both Texas A&M and Kansas State have frontcourts which lack inside dominance. In the first conference loss, the Wildcats lost the battle on the boards. Whichever team is able to control the glass should be in prime position to come away with the victory.
Kansas State looks to have an easy one at hand if you compare both teams on paper. There is one great concern for the Wildcats, however. Coming into this game, the Aggies are one of the Top 5 teams in the Big 12 in 3-point defense, allowing teams to only shoot 30% from beyond the arc. In Kansas State’s two losses on the season, they have only made a combined 10 three-point baskets, averaging just 28%.
If the Wildcats can get the three-point shot going, they’ll be in good shape. They also need to continue getting to the free-throw line while limiting the number of fouls they commit. In the loss to Missouri, the Tigers shot 43 free throws. Holding on to the lead, limiting turnovers and shooting high-percentage shots are all in the winning formula.
Who do you think holds the advantage in this game? Leave your comments below.
