Game #25: No. 19 Vanderbilt 82, Texas A&M 69
Records: Texas A&M (17-8, 7-5), Vanderbilt (21-4, 8-4)
Box Score
Two weeks ago, Texas A&M was entering a five-game stretch that figured to reveal just how good a basketball team the Aggies are.
They proved they’re good. They’re just not good enough to contend for the Southeastern Conference championship.
They might not be good enough to get into the NCAA Tournament.
The Aggies (17-8, 7-5) suffered their fourth consecutive loss on Saturday at No. 19 Vanderbilt (21-4, 8-4), which cruised to an 82-69 victory in Nashville.
A&M shot just 38.9 percent from the field, just 27.6 percent from 3-point range and attempted a mere 10 free throws. The Aggies made five.
Marcus Hill led the Aggies with 20 points, but their usual leaders struggled.
Forward Rashaun Agee, who had eight points, was held below double figures for just the second time in SEC play.
Guard Rylan Griffen managed just five points. Rubén Dominguez remained in a slump and scored just three.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt forwards Tyler Nickel, Ak Okereke and Devin McGlockton combined for 65 points while hitting 19 of 32 shots (59.3 percent).
“We obviously know they’re a good team,” A&M head coach Bucky McMillan said in a postgame interview. “I think, analytically, this is probably our lowest percentage chance to pull a road upset, so we knew we’d have to play pretty damn good in here to get it.
“I always think we’re going to get it. You’re not going to get it when you shoot less than 40 percent from the field and less than 50 percent from the free-throw line. Probably not going to happen unless they’re really off. They weren’t that.”
Vandy never lost the lead and moved ahead, 32-29, on an Okereke 3-pointer with 2:19 remaining in the half.
The Commodores held a 36-32 edge at halftime, but hit four consecutive three-pointers to take a 50-39 lead and never lost control.
A&M couldn’t get closer than seven points from there. They pulled within 64-57 with a Zach Clemence three-pointer with 6:33 remaining, but Nickel answered with a three-point play.
The Commodores then steadily pulled away.
In enduring their fourth loss in the vital five-game stretch, A&M has dropped from first place in the SEC race into a tie for fourth.
Perhaps more concerning is its NET ranking, which is something of a guideline for the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, may drop.
Earlier this week, the Aggies were 35th but entered the game vs. Vanderbilt at No. 43.
A&M’s four-game skid has been against Alabama, Florida, Missouri and Vandy — opponents that figure to be in the NCAA Tournament, so that should be considered.
Also, the losses to Alabama and Missouri were by a combined total of just four points. Maybe that earns some benefit of the doubt.
But A&M has never had much luck with NCAA selection committees. History shows the Aggies need to remove all doubt for inclusion or seeding.
Fortunately, there is plenty of time for A&M to enhance its resume. Six games remain in the SEC schedule. Then, the SEC Tournament follows.
A&M next faces Ole Miss on Wednesday at Reed Arena.
“The reality of it is everything’s in front of us,” McMillan said. “Season starts Monday. That’s the mindset. We’ve got to get back and take care of business. We have some great opportunities.
“We’ve just got to get back and play well here down the stretch.”
