Expect an ugly defensive game between Missouri basketball and Texas A&M
For the second straight game, the Missouri Tigers are going up against a first-year head coach.
But under Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams, the Tigers’ next opponent plays a brand of basketball just like Mizzou: a low-scoring, defense-first slugfest. Alabama played a run-and-gun style that clashed with the Tigers.
When Missouri (9-8, 1-4 SEC) plays Texas A&M (8-8, 2-3) at 8 Tuesday night, it could be an ugly one at Mizzou Arena.
Playing Texas A&M is also an opportunity for the Tigers to bounce back after two road losses. Coach Cuonzo Martin preaches to “protect their home court.” KenPom ranks the Aggies at No. 157, the second-worst team in the SEC. Mizzou’s at 75th.
“They’re tough, play hard,” Martin said of the Aggies. “Matchup pressing defense, get you off-balance. Gotta get you moving, spread you out. So you gotta make plays, individual plays off the dribble.
It’s been a grind to score this season for the Aggies, averaging 60.8 points per game, tied for 340th in the nation. But they can defend well, allowing 62.8 points per game, tied for 46th. After a tough nonconference, the Aggies perked up in defeating a pair of SEC teams in Mississippi and Vanderbilt.
For the Aggies, Martin pointed out guard Andre Gordon and his renewed play, including averaging 12.4 points per game through five SEC games. Texas A&M’s leading scorers are also upperclassmen in senior Josh Nebo and junior Savion Flagg.
Martin also said Williams has experience coaching talented players. When Williams was at Virginia Tech, he coached Kerry Blackshear, now with Florida and a player the Tigers know well. Williams also played NBA star Jimmy Butler during their time at Marquette from 2008-11.
“It depends on who he has as his lead guy,” Martin said. “But he puts his guys in position to win games.”
Rookie praise
Martin spoke highly of Mizzou forward Kobe Brown on Monday. Of the three incoming freshmen, Brown wasn’t as highly regarded as rookie counterparts Mario McKinney Jr. and Tray Jackson.
But it’s been Brown who carved out a role in the starting lineup and the only freshman to see consistent minutes this season. McKinney entered the transfer portal last week. Jackson saw some high points this season, but consistency has been an issue.
Martin said Brown has a chance to be one of the best all-around SEC players. Brown averages 6.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game.
“More than anything, it’s him believing that he can,” Martin said of Brown. “His ability to make plays off the dribble. He’s a guy that you can put at the point (guard) at some point. I think he’ll eventually grow into that. I think he has to improve his defensive prowess, he’s getting there. He has to be an elite rebounder.”
Super Bowling
Martin admitted he doesn’t pay much attention to the NFL with it being midseason for his team. But he had a few words for the Kansas City Chiefs, who made it to their first Super Bowl in 50 years and third overall.
“Happy for them,” Martin said. “That’s always an exciting time when you’re talking professional football. … We have guys that are Chiefs fans. So, happy to see them successful. I haven’t really locked in like that, but congratulations to them.”