Texas A&M Beats Ole Miss, But Loses SEC Title Hopes After Alabama Win
Texas A&M men's basketball can still hold its head high following an impressive season under Buzz Williams. It just won't end with an SEC regular season title.
With Alabama's come-from-behind win Wednesday night against Auburn, the Crimson Tide have clinched the SEC title for the first time since 2021. The Aggies still will have a chance to clinch the No. 2-seed in the SEC Tournament next week in Nashville, Tenn. with a win over Alabama on Saturday or with a loss by Kentucky.
The Aggies have already clinched a double bye entering the conference tournament next week.
A&M handled its business to remain in the running for the conference regular season title thanks to a 69-61 win over Ole Miss. Tyrece "Boots" Radford led the team with 13 points, while Andre Gordon finished with a team-high eight rebounds.
The Aggies (22-8, 14-3 SEC) impressed in conference play despite a sluggish start in non-conference. They won six straight through late-January and early February, including picking up a crucial 68-63 win over No. 11 Tennessee at Reed Arena.
As for the Tide, their season went better than expected on the hardwood. Fourth-year coach Nate Oats helped Alabama lead the nation in rebounds (44.3 per game) and the SEC in scoring (83.6 points per game).
On Wednesday, the Tide overcame a 17-point deficit to clinch the conference title at Coleman Coliseum. They are now expected to clinch a No. 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament later this month. Currently, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunaradi has Alabama as the top seed in the South Region.
A&M is currently projected as the No. 8-seed in the Midwest Region and will face No. 9-seed Illinois. Should the Aggies win, they likely would face No. 1-seed Houston in the Round of 32.
Tip-off from Reed Arena is set for noon.
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