The Texas A&M Aggies’ great non-conference start has not translated to SEC play. Texas A&M has lost the first three games in conference and it doesn’t get any easier this week as it must hit the road for a showdown against perennial SEC favorite the Kentucky Wildcats.
Texas A&M was ranked No. 11 in the country before dropping two games last week. Injuries and suspensions have taken their toll and the team needs to turn it around in a hurry to have a realistic chance at competing for the conference crown. Kentucky is coming off a loss to Tennessee so both of these teams would like to turn it on moving forward.
The Wildcats will be the favorites in this one so Texas A&M will need to outplay expectations in order to avoid a fourth consecutive loss.
This war on the floor will go down Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Tuesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Aggies are 11-4 straight up and 5-7 against the spread on the season. Texas A&M has been the underdog twice this season and covered in both contests.
Kentucky is 12-3 straight up and 7-8 against the spread. The Wildcats have covered in six of 13 attempts as the favorite this season. Kentucky is 4-6 against the spread at home this season as it is often giving many points.
Player To Watch
D.J. Hogg -- Texas A&M’s leading scorer has been suspended twice already this season, and several of his teammates have also been disciplined. The team has had success despite the absences but in a game like this the Aggies need all the talent they can muster.
Hogg should be available and will be a key piece as he is averaging 14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. The team is missing starting guard Admon Gilder and Duane Wilson due to knee injuries, and keep a close eye as to whether they are going to be able to play because that could make a big difference.
Texas A&M is a talented team when at full strength but has been dealing with a lot of personnel issues throughout the young season.
Key Stat
78. That’s the number of points per game each of these teams average this season, so this one could be a high-scoring affair. Kentucky has all sorts of talent on the roster although many players are still freshmen and getting used to the intensity of conference games.
The Wildcats are led in scoring by Kevin Knox, who averages 14.0 points per game. Hamidou Diallo adds 13.7 points per contest as Kentucky has five different players who average in double figures.
Texas A&M shoots 46 percent from the field and Kentucky shoots a sparkling 48.3 percent. Both defenses are solid so it will be interesting to see if either team can clamp down or if this will be a shootout.
Free NCAA Men’s Basketball ATS Picks
Kentucky could have been in a tough spot on the road, but the home court is a big deal for a young team. Keep an eye on who is available for Texas A&M as that has been an issue this year. Take the Wildcats to win this one, but it won’t be easy. The Aggies are a solid squad despite the recent struggles and will be able to keep this game close from start to finish.
Texas A&M could be the choice to cover depending on where the spread checks in on this one.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: Kentucky 79, Texas A&M 74
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