### Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: Key Details & Game Preview
After a midweek break, Tennessee basketball returns to the court on Saturday afternoon for a crucial matchup against Texas A&M in College Station. Both teams rank in the nation’s top 10 and are vying for a top-four seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament. Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
#### **Game Information**
– **Matchup**: No. 6 Tennessee (21-5, 8-5 SEC) at No. 7 Texas A&M (20-6, 9-4 SEC)
– **Start Time**: Noon ET / 11 a.m. CT
– **Location**: Reed Arena, College Station, TX
– **TV Broadcast**: ESPN (Play-by-play: Dave Pasch, Analyst: Fran Fraschilla)
– **Online Streaming**: Watch ESPN
– **Radio (Knoxville)**: The Vol Network / The Vol Network App
#### **Betting Odds**
– **FanDuel Sportsbook**: Tennessee -1.5, Over/Under 131.5
– **KenPom Prediction**: Tennessee -1, Over/Under 127
### **Rick Barnes on Texas A&M**
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes highlighted several strengths of Texas A&M, starting with their elite rebounding ability. He praised their physicality and discipline, noting that head coach Buzz Williams has built a team that thrives on effort and controlling the boards.
Barnes also emphasized the importance of rebounding in the SEC, explaining that with defensive intensity increasing across the conference, teams must crash the glass and generate second-chance points.
Additionally, he discussed the key matchup between Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler and Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV. Barnes noted that both guards have had a significant impact on their programs from the moment they arrived and continue to be difference-makers.
### **Stat Leaders**
#### **Tennessee**
– **Scoring**: Chaz Lanier – 17.5 PPG, 41.8% FG, 40.2% 3PT
– **Rebounding**: Igor Milicic – 7.8 RPG (5.6 DRPG, 2.2 ORPG)
– **Assists**: Zakai Zeigler – 7.5 APG, 3.0 TOPG, 34.4 MPG
#### **Texas A&M**
– **Scoring**: Wade Taylor IV – 14.9 PPG, 36.9% FG, 35% 3PT
– **Rebounding**: Andersson Garcia – 5.7 RPG (3.4 DRPG, 2.3 ORPG)
– **Assists**: Wade Taylor IV – 4.5 APG, 2.4 TOPG, 30 MPG
### **Recent Results**
#### **Tennessee’s Last Five Games**
– **81-76 Win** vs. Vanderbilt
– **75-64 Loss** at Kentucky
– **70-52 Win** at Oklahoma
– **85-81 Win** vs. Missouri
– **64-44 Win** vs. Florida
#### **Texas A&M’s Last Five Games**
– **70-54 Loss** at Mississippi State
– **69-61 Win** at Arkansas
– **69-53 Win** vs. Georgia
– **67-64 Win** at Missouri
– **76-72 Win** at South Carolina
### **Prediction**
For Tennessee to strengthen its case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, securing a road win against Texas A&M is crucial. The Vols have shown they can win physical, grind-it-out games, which could play to their advantage against the Aggies.
However, with Texas A&M coming off a loss and playing at home, they may have the edge. Expect a tightly contested battle, but the Aggies could pull off a close victory.
**Prediction: Texas A&M 70, Tennessee 65**
