Seeking to rebound, Aggies prep for visiting No. 14 Iowa State

Well, the Aggies can still remain undefeated in one conference.

Having suffered its first Southeastern Conference basketball defeat on Wednesday night against Arkansas, fifth-ranked Texas A&M (17-3, 7-1 SEC) hopes to remain perfect against the Big 12.

A&M has victories over Big 12 members Texas, Kansas State and Baylor and goes for the grand slam against surging Iowa State (16-4, 4-3 Big 12) on Saturday at Reed Arena.

The Aggies’ national profile might have taken a hit in Fayetteville, but they can regain any lost prestige and momentum with a win over the Cyclones, who are riding a four-game winning streak that includes victories over No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 4 Kansas.

"I think we've gotten great recognition for our program," said Billy Kennedy. "The hype of this game, along with Kentucky/Kansas, Oklahoma/LSU, those three games have probably gotten more attention than any other game we've ever played in."

Iowa State, which is ranked 14th, may be the best team the Aggies will have faced thus far.

The Cyclones have five players with double-figure scoring averages, led by 6-8 senior forward Georges Niang (19.3) and 6-2 junior guard Monte Morris (15.5).

However, they could be without 6-9 junior forward Jameel McKay, who has been slowed by an injury to his left knee. McKay is averaging 12.9 points and a team-leading 9.1 rebounds.

"I expect him to play, kind of like Tyler's situation. If he doesn't play, it definitely helps us," added Kennedy.

Regardless of McKay’s status, the Aggies figure to be more concerned about their own issues, especially after committing a season-high 21 turnovers in the 74-71 loss at Arkansas.

"We just didn't play well," Kennedy said about the Arkansas game. "We got in foul trouble early with Alex Caruso, and Anthony Collins wasn't as aggressive as he needs to be, and really besides Danuel, nobody played well.

"We have to play better and we have a lot of guys that can play better. I expect us to play better."

On the plus side, guard Danuel House broke out of a shooting slump while in Fayetteville. He hit 7 of 12 shots, including 4 of 5 from three-point range, while netting 24 points.

The Aggies also got 14 points from freshman center Tyler Davis, his second straight game in double figures.

However, Jalen Jones struggled offensively and finished with 10 points — seven below his average.

A&M is hopeful all three play at the same level against Iowa State that they did against the previous Big 12 opponents.

House averaged 14.3 points in those three games, while Jones averaged 17 and Davis averaged 13.

"For us it would be a big win," Alex Caruso said. "They're a ranked opponent and it's another power five school, in non-conference play, that would be another good win for us."