Texas A&M will try to start its season 2-0 when it hosts Big West foe UC Irvine on Friday night.
The Aggies scored early and often in their 98-83 win over Savannah State earlier in the week, with the two teams combining to shoot 92 total 3-pointers.
UC Irvine probably won’t be running the floor like Texas A&M’s previous opponent, but the Anteaters did start the season on the right foot with an 86-68 victory over Idaho.
Let’s take a look at what to watch for in this game.
Game Details
- UC Irvine (1-0) at Texas A&M (1-0)
- Location: Reed Arena – College Station, TX
- Game Date: Nov. 9
- Game Time: 9:30 p.m. EST
- Watch: SEC Network+
Players to Watch
Savion Flagg (Texas A&M)
Flagg showed his potential during his freshman season, and he’s already gotten off to a great start during his year in College Station.
The 6-7 sophomore earned a double-double by posting 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds, with his versatility and athleticism likely to be on full display this season in the Aggies’ new up-tempo system.
If he can be a consistent contributor on the wing, it’ll give Texas A&M an excellent perimeter trio with Flagg, TJ Starks, and Admon Gilder leading the way.
Josh Nebo (Texas A&M)
The Saint Francis transfer saw his first official action in an Aggie uniform against Savannah State, where he notched 10 points and four rebounds to go along with three blocks.
Nebo, who earned Northeast Conference defensive player of the year honors in ’16-17, is an explosive athlete that will be able to impact the game on both sides of the court.
If he can continue to progress throughout the season, Nebo can be an invaluable asset for the Aggies in trying to defend elite frontcourt players in the SEC.
Eyassu Worku (UC Irvine)
The Anteaters are going to need consistent guard play to have a chance to win this game, and Worku can be a stabilizing presence in the backcourt.
He led UC Irvine with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the Idaho win, and he and fellow junior guard Max Hazzard make up a solid duo that should improve even further as the season progresses.
Work had six assists and two steals as well in the opener, so he should continue to contribute in many areas.
Key Stats
It’s hard to completely gauge just how fast Kennedy wants his team to play in the overhauled offense system, as Savannah State plays at the fastest pace of any team in college basketball.
So, it’s probably too early to read too much into the 14.4 average offensive possession length that the Aggies had in the first game, but they will indeed play much faster than in recent years.
That type of pace is the opposite of what UC Irvine wants to do, as Russell Turner’s specialty has always been getting his teams in a position to find the right shot on offense rather than just the open shot.
The Anteaters haven’t finished higher than 205th nationally in adjusted tempo since the 2013-14 season, so their methodical style of play will once again be a mainstay this season.
Game Outlook
- Spread: Texas A&M -5
- Over/Under: 144.5
- KenPom Projection: Texas A&M, 74 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: Texas A&M, 80.7 percent chance to win
UC Irvine returns the majority of its key contributors from last season, and this is one of the most experienced teams in the country.
On the flip side, Texas A&M is still building chemistry with its newcomers and returns, and there are going to be bumps in the road.
This has the potential to be one of those frustrating games for the Aggies, especially if do-it-all guard Admon Gilder is sidelined again due to injury.
The 6-4 senior didn’t play against Savannah State, but Kennedy noted afterward that he and fellow guard Wendell Mitchell (another likely starter) may be ready for this one.
I’d feel much better about Texas A&M’s ability to stay in front for the majority of the game if those two play, but without them, things become a bit more interesting.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Anteaters find themselves with an opportunity to pull off the upset here, but I’ll go with the Aggies to barely hold off Turner’s team.
Prediction: Texas A&M 71, UC Irvine 69
11/9 Update: Admon Gilder and Wendell Mitchell are both game-time decisions for the Aggies.
11/9 Update No. 2: Gilder and Mitchell will not play.
Team update:
Aggies will play without guards Admon Gilder & Wendell Mitchell tonight.#GigEm
— Texas A&M Basketball (@aggiembk) November 10, 2018
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