Battered Aggies face lineup challenges versus Northern Kentucky
Just when it appeared No. 8 Texas A&M would waltz to four straight victories leading up to Southeastern Conference play, the Aggies hurt their knee.
This after bumping their head.
A&M (9-1) still figures to post a third-straight victory in a four-game home stand when they face Northern Kentucky (7-4) tonight at Reed Arena.
However, the going has gotten rougher for the Aggies because junior guard Admon Gilder is sidelined for two to three weeks with a knee injury sustained in a 113-66 victory over Savannah State last week.
That leaves A&M potentially without two starters. Sophomore forward Robert Williams missed the Savannah State game in concussion protocol after bumping heads with teammate Isiah Jasey in practice. His status remains uncertain.
Gilder, perhaps the Aggies’ most versatile player, is averaging 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Williams is averaging 8 points and 10.4 rebounds.
How coach Billy Kennedy adjusts his lineup will be intriguing.
He could start freshman J.J. Caldwell at point guard and shift senior Duane Wilson to the off-guard spot. Or, Wilson could remain at point guard and freshman T.J. Starks could get the ball at the two guard.
Also, D.J. Hogg could move to the two spot and Tonny Trocha-Morelos could step into Hogg’s role at small forward. That is, unless Trocha-Morelos has to replace Williams in the power forward role.
At least, Kennedy seems to have options.
His best option, though, remains getting the basketball to 6-10 center Tyler Davis, who is averaging 13.7 points, and Hogg (15.7).
They should be able to lead A&M to a victory over Northern Kentucky, which is 0-3 in road games against Memphis, East Tennessee and Maryland-Baltimore County.
However, the Norse are averaging 83.5 points per game to rank 39th in the nation in scoring.
Drew McDonald, a 6-7, 250-pound junior forward, leads Northern Kentucky with a 16.1 scoring average. Sophomore forward Carson Williams averages 15.5 points and guard Lavone Holland averages 14.
They helped Northern Kentucky win the Horizon League tournament last season. Then, they lost in the NCAA Tournament to Kentucky, 79-70.
That shows the Aggies cannot overlook Northern Kentucky. Especially, if they are without Gilder and Williams.
