Texas A&M basketball ranked No. 18 in Associated Press Rankings

Following a win on the road against Ole Miss and knocking off then-No. 2 Alabama at home, Texas A&M has risen to No. 18 in the Associated Press Poll.

The Aggies finish the regular season second in the Southeastern Conference standings and hold wins over Alabama and Tennessee, two teams that have the second and third-highest NET Rankings in the country.

The Aggies had three players in double figures against Ole Miss, including Tyerce Redford, Wade Taylor IV and Julius Marble. Despite the absence of lockdown defender Dexter Dennis, A&M was still able to secure a 69-61 win. 

Dennis was able to return for the Alabama game and made his presence felt with 11 points and seven rebounds. Still, nobody had a more significant impact than Wade Taylor IV, who put up an impressive stat line of 28 points, one assist, three rebounds, and a steal while shooting above 50 percent from the field. 

Up next, the Aggies look towards the SEC Tournament, where they have received a coveted double-bye. The Maroon & White will face the winner of the Auburn-Arkansas game on Friday at 6 p.m. CT.

The Aggies previously beat Auburn twice this year and split the season series with the Razorbacks.

Associated Press Week 18 Poll

1. Houston
2. UCLA (+2)
3. Kansas
4. Alabama (-2)
5. Purdue
6. Marquette
7. Texas (+2)
8. Arizona
9. Gonzaga (+1)
10. Baylor (-3)
11. UConn (+3)
12. Kansas State (-1)
13. Virginia
14. Miami (+2)
15. Xavier (+4)
16. Saint Mary’s (+1)
17. Tennessee (-5)
18. Texas A&M (+6)
19. Indiana (-4)
20. San Diego State (-2)
21. Duke
22. TCU
23. Kentucky
24. Creighton
25. Missouri

In: Duke, Creighton, Missouri
Out: Providence, Maryland, Pittsburgh

Note: Southeastern Conference programs are italicized.