No. 13 Texas A&M Men’s Basketball Hosts ACU to Close Out Non-Conference Slate

News release from Texas A&M Athletics:

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The No. 13 Texas A&M men’s basketball team (10-2) closes out its non-conference slate by hosting the ACU Wildcats (8-5) in a 3 p.m. matchup at Reed Arena on Saturday.

  • Texas A&M holds a 7-0 advantage in the all-times series. In the only recent matchups, the Aggies swept a pair of games in 2021 and 2022.
  • The Nov. 12, 2021 game marks the most recent buzzer-beater victory for the Aggies when Hassan Diarra hit a tightly-contested 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left in an 81-80 double overtime win.

STATISTICAL COMPARISON

Statistic

ACU

Texas A&M

FGM

27.5

25.5

FGA

57.9

60.8

FG%

0.474

0.42

3PM

5.2

7.1

3PA

17.1

22.4

3P%

0.306

0.316

FTM

16

16.8

FTA

22.7

24.2

FT%

0.705

0.693

Off. Reb

11.1

17.2

Def. Reb

24.2

25.9

Rebounds

35.2

43.1

Assists

14.3

12.5

Steals

10.1

7.8

Blocks

2.9

4.5

Turnovers

14.1

12.4

Points

76.2

74.8

NEED-TO-KNOWS

  • The Aggies have demonstrated uncommon depth through the first 12 games: 10 players are averaging at least 10 minutes of action, including seven players with at least 20:00/G. Also, 10 players average at least 4.0 points/G and nine Aggies average 2.0+ rebounds/G.
  • Wade Taylor IV missed the HCU game due to an injury incurred last in the Purdue contest. It was the first game missed (and first practice missed, according to Buzz Williams) by the preseason All-SEC selection since arriving at Texas A&M in the fall of 2021.
  • Texas A&M has limited all 12 opponents to below their current season-long FG%.
  • Most impressively, three opponents are shooting nearly 50% from the field for the season – Ohio State, Texas Tech and Purdue. Those teams combined for a 41.1 FG% vs. the Aggies.
  • Texas A&M ranks No. 7 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency rating.
  • Texas A&M pounds the offensive glass for a NCAA-best 17.2 offensive rebounds/G in 2024-25. The Aggies also sit atop KenPom’s offensive rebound % standings at 44.5%.
  • A&M has been out-rebounded just once this season – 42-35 by Rutgers (11/30). The Aggies have won the rebound battle by at least six in 10 of 12 games and own a 10.8/G rebound margin for the season.
  • Texas A&M connected on better than 40% of its 3-point tries against Purdue (.440) and HCU (.471), marking the first time the Aggies have hit 40% or better from beyond the arc in back-to-back game since early February of 2023, a span of 57 games.
  • Texas A&M hits a modest 31.0% of its 3-point tries (No. 280), which is noticeably better than last season’s 29.3% (No. 334).
  • The Aggies have hit 33.3% of their 3-point tries vs. AP Top 25 teams, which is tied for 11th-best among teams with at least three games vs. ranked foes.
  • Conversely, Texas A&M has limited its opponents to 28.5% on 3-point tries. Among teams that have faced 300+ 3-point attempts, the Aggies rank No. 5 nationally in 3-point FG defense.
  • On a team that is shooting 42.0% from the field (38.4% from its starters), the bench has been instrumental to its 10-2 record with a 47.8 FG% and an average of 31.0 points/game.
  • Texas A&M (5) is one of seven D1 teams with at least five NET Quad 1 or Quad 2 victories on its NCAA Tournament resume. Joining the Aggies are the list are: Memphis (7), Marquette (6), Oregon (6), Alabama (5), Mississippi State (5) and UConn (5).

 

PROMOTIONS UPDATE

BOGO TICKETS: Purchase one full price balcony ticket and get an additional balcony ticket for FREE. No walk-ups, all tickets must be purchased in advance.
‘TIS THE SEASON 12MR PUNCH CARD: Attend and check in to 12th Man Rewards at any (2) of (7) men’s and women’s basketball home games in the month of December to claim an A&M ugly sweater crewneck.
AGGIE BASKETBALL FAN ZONE: Located at the North entry of Reed Arena, the Fan Zone includes games, giveaways, and activities for the whole family! For ALL fans opening one hour prior to tip-off.

 

TV/RADIO

  • The matchup airs on the Texas A&M Radio Network, locally on 1620 AM/94.5 FM or worldwide on the 12th Man Mobile App with Andrew Monaco and Dr. John Thornton describing the action. It is also available on SiriusXM on channels: 161 or 191.
  • The game will be broadcast on SEC Network with James Westling and King McClure providing the description.

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