Aggies Secure 9-Seed, Face Nebraska in 2024 NCAA Tournament
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Texas A&M has punched their ticket to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, landing the 9th seed in the South Region.
Sporting a 20-14 overall record (9-9 in the SEC), they're poised to clash with the 8th-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 22, when they'll face off in Memphis, Tennessee.
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For the Aggies, securing a spot in the tournament is a welcome relief after navigating through a season fraught with difficulties. Senior forward Julius Marble's absence and veteran guard Tyrece Radford's early injury setbacks posed significant challenges. Enduring a five-game losing streak in late February added to their trials.
However, the team found renewed momentum thanks to the remarkable performance of junior guard Manny Obaseki. Obaseki's standout play, contributing 106 points in the team's last five games, has been pivotal in their turnaround.
Texas A&M wrapped up the season on a high note, securing a vital five-game winning streak, notably highlighted by their triumph over Kentucky in the SEC Tournament. The relief felt by the team on Sunday night, as they awaited tournament selection, was palpable.
Meanwhile, Nebraska concluded their season with an impressive 23 wins, marking their return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 under the guidance of head coach Fred Hoiberg. The hiring of former Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts by Texas A&M adds an intriguing twist to the narrative, suggesting a touch of irony from the selection committee's decisions.
As for Texas A&M's 9th seed placement, it comes as no surprise. With seven notable wins in Quad 1 matchups and a commendable 13-10 record in both Quad 1 and Quad 2 contests, the Aggies certainly earned their at-large bid.
Texas A&M is embarking on back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in over a decade. The Aggies' only other instance of consecutive NCAA trips was from 2006 to 2011 when they enjoyed a streak of six straight appearances.