Perimeter play key for Texas A&M against high-scoring Mississippi State
When its winning streak had reached six a week ago, participating in March Madness appeared a sure thing for Texas A&M.
But unless another slump comes to a quick end – maybe as quickly as Tuesday night against Mississippi State – the Aggies may be have outside shot to get into the NCAA basketball tournament.
And A&M certainly cannot rely on an outside shot.
Indeed, abysmal outside shooting is the primary reason the Aggies' (17-10, 6-8 in the Southeastern Conference) once-presumed inclusion in the Tournament may becoming precarious.
In consecutive losses to Missouri and Arkansas, the Aggies have converted just 9 of 40 attempts (22.5 percent) from three-point range. More specifically, forward D.J. Hogg has converted just 2 of 24 three-pointers (8.3 percent) in the Aggies’ last four losses.
While A&M’s strength unquestionably resides in the paint where Tyler Davis and Robert Williams patrol, the numbers seem to indicate Hogg’s perimeter shooting is the key to success.
The Aggies are 9-1 when he converts at least three times from behind the arc.
Yet, in nine of A&M’s 10 losses Hogg had one or fewer three-pointers or did not play.
“In this league, the 2’s and the 3’s (off-guards and small forwards) seem to be the best players from an offensive standpoint,” Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy said.
“As big as we are when you’re playing Robert and Tyler at the 4 and the 5, we rely on three-point shooting because of the spacing.
“Spacing the floor gives them some one-on-one opportunities. Other teams are doing a good job of trying to take (Hogg) away. He’s had some good looks. We’ve got to do a better job helping him get more.”
Even more problematic, Kennedy has not had other reliable options. Senior Tonny Trocha-Morelos, who often comes off the bench to spell Hogg, has made just 3 of 19 three-pointers in the last four losses. He’s made just one or fewer three-pointers in eight of A&M’s 10 defeats.
Adding to A&M’s list of concerns is that Mississippi State (19-8, 7-7) has suddenly become an offensive juggernaut and is coming off a 79-62 victory over Ole Miss. The Bulldogs have averaged 81.3 points over the last three games and have converted 33 three-pointers (46.4 percent) over that span.
Junior guard Quinndary Weatherspoon averages 14.7 points, while his younger brother, Nick, averages 11.4 and 6-foot-10 post Aric Holman averages 11.1.
“The Weatherspoons are really good players,” Kennedy said. “Quinndary is one of the best point guards in our league. Aric Holman is playing really well at the 4-spot. This is a talented, athletic team coming in here with some confidence after beating Ole Miss.”
However, the Aggies may find solace is the fact that Mississippi State is 1-7 in road games. Meanwhile, A&M is 12-2 at Reed Arena. In those two home losses — January setbacks to Florida and LSU — the Aggies gave up 29 three-point goals, while converting 13.
The Aggies must be more effective at the three-point stripe on both the offensive and defensive ends or risk playing their way out of the NCAA tournament field.
“It’s better to win late so people remember you winning,” Kennedy said. “If you lose three, four, five straight down the stretch it’s hard for somebody to garner you getting in the NCAA Tournament by how you’re playing at the end of the year. So, we’ve got to pick up our play at this time right now.”
