Aggies look to prove they've taken steps in the right direction against Boston College
The Aggies (3-4) have shown a measure of improvement in consecutive basketball victories over marginal opponents.
They can determine just how much better they’ve gotten against a stronger opponent on Saturday against Boston College (6-2) at Reed Arena. Tip-off is at 5 p.m.
The Aggies failed to make pivotal plays and typically wilted down the stretch in close losses to Cal-Irvine, Washington and Minnesota.
However, they put forth strong defensive efforts in victories over South Alabama and Northwestern State. Any win helps, but the Aggies were expected to easily beat those opponents.
Boston College, which fell to Providence 100-95 in overtime last Tuesday, provides a much more difficult test.
The Eagles are among the nation’s best defensive rebounding teams, they’ve limited opponents to 38.5 percent shooting and have four players — led by guard Ky Bowman — averaging in double figures. Bowman, a junior guard, averages 19.1 points.
“We’re playing, I think, the second best team we’ve played so far,” A&M coach Billy Kennedy said. “Their experienced guard Bowman averages about 20 a game. We’re going to have to play very well to give ourselves the best chance to win.”
Kennedy’s appraisal that BC is the Aggies’ second-best opponent after No. 1 Gonzaga certainly has merit. The Eagles own a 68-56 victory over Minnesota.
A&M fell to Minnesota 69-64 last month. But then, junior guard Wendell (Chuck) Mitchell was slowed by tendonitis and suffered through a nightmarish 0-of-8 shooting night.
Finally healthy, Mitchell netted a season-high 18 points in the victory over Northwestern State. He’ll give the Aggies a significant offensive boost if he can score with consistency. He can also take some of the point guard onus off sophomore T.J. Starks, who is struggling with shooting accuracy in the early going.
“(Mitchell) practiced all week and had his best game,” Kennedy said. “Practice has been really good for him. His experience — he’s been in games like this before — bring something to the table that we didn’t have early on.”
“Being able to move T.J. off the ball some take some pressure off him hopefully makes him a better player also. We’re counting on Chuck to be an impact guy for us. We’ve counted on him all year. We need him to be good in this game because the team we’re playing … their guards are good.”
The Aggies must show they can beat good opponents to get into the discussion for postseason tournaments. Their remaining schedule is infested with good teams.
“We’re playing good competition,” Kennedy said. “Anytime you beat a team at the BCS level it helps. That’s what we’re going to be seeing every night night in the SEC.”
