Improving perimeter defense a recurring test for Aggies with Mizzou on tap
Open book tests are easy. That is if the answers readily can be found.
That’s kind of the task facing Texas A&M on Tuesday night in an 8:00 p.m. Southeastern Conference basketball clash at Missouri.
In consecutive losses to LSU and South Carolina, the Aggies (8-8, 2-3) have allowed 30 shots from 3-point range. Consequently, Missouri (9-8, 1-4) figures to test the Aggies’ soft perimeter defense.
A&M coach Buzz Williams knows that’s the book on the Aggies. But can he find the answers to thwart Missouri behind the arc?
Missouri has struggled from 3-point range in losses to Alabama and Mississippi State but hit 12 of 19 treys in a 91-75 upset of Florida on Jan. 11.
“I think you get the same test as a person and the same test as a coach/player until you pass it,” Williams said following the loss to South Carolina, which hit 16 shots from 3-point range. “If you don’t pass the test, the only thing that changes is you know what the questions are on the next test. You have to decide how you’re going to answer those questions.
“Too many of our answers (against South Carolina) were the exact same as they were (against LSU). If we don’t change those answers (against Missouri), then we’ll have the same grade.”
Missouri is only ranked ninth in the SEC in 3-point percentage, but that should come as little consolation. South Carolina was ranked 13th before lighting up the Aggies.
Guard Mark Smith, who averages 11.4 points, has converted 42 3-pointers. Guard Dru Smith, the Tigers’ scoring leader with an 11.8 average, as hit 13 and guard Torrence Watson has 21.
They’re the chief threats from long range.
The Aggies don’t just need to upgrade their perimeter defense. They’ve got to do a better job on the boards and taking care of the basketball, too.
A&M has been out-rebounded in its last three games. The Aggies also average 14.2 turnovers. That’s especially worrisome because Dru Smith leads the SEC in steals.
Of course, A&M can pose its share of problems, too.
Josh Nebo had 18 points against South Carolina to raise his average to 12.5. Also, freshman Andre Gordon has scored in double figures to four of the last five games, freshman Emanuel Miller is developing into an effective rebounder and junior college transfer Quenton Jackson is making progress. He had 12 points against South Carolina.
But the Aggies are still seeking consistency from Savion Flagg and Wendell Mitchell, who is shooting just 21 percent from 3-point range.
The Aggies remain the SEC’s lowest-scoring team, with an average of 60.8 points.
Despite those scoring issues, they’ve been competitive because of strong efforts on the defensive end. That effort just needs to be extended to the 3-point line.
