A swirling combination of negative factors, some out of A&M's control and some entirely its fault, was too much for the Aggies to overcome in a game they needed to win at home. The bottom line remains the same.

Even without its leading scorer, Texas A&M held a double-digit lead at halftime. It went by the wayside in a struggle of a second half that led to a missed final shot and a 61-60 Tide victory with the Aggies' NCAA hopes potentially in the balance.

Texas A&M could not beat Alabama in January without Jalen Jones. Now, the Aggies might have to face the Crimson Tide without Danuel House. However they do it, pulling off a win on Senior Day may decide the season.

Joined by their head coach, Texas A&M's two seniors met the media on Friday to assess their final game in Reed Arena — and its importance to their resurgent season and chances of an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Days removed from a difficult loss to Arkansas, the Aggies did what they've done time and time again this season — rebound in impressive fashion. This time, however, they made an example out of the Tigers.

Detractors of the Aggies' highly successful run toward the NCAA Tournament may point to their lack of a resume-defining victory. A win when the SEC's second- and third-place teams clash in Arkansas would provide that.

A&M emerged from an essential home-stand with two wins in three tries; the Aggies series of important games now shifts to Columbia, where a win may not make its NCAA Tournament hopes but a loss could break them.

Two games against the Tigers; twice the Aggies have shown what they're made of. Tuesday night's win was the fruit of labors in preparation, execution and effort. How does A&M carry it over from here?

Much like in Baton Rouge, the Aggies fell behind only to stun the Tigers in the end. Much like in Baton Rouge, Danuel House took over to lead the charge. What was different on Tuesday? The position the victory put Billy Kennedy's team in.

Saturday's victory showed the Aggies exactly where they need improvement — and exactly how far they've come. That a hard-fought battle ended the way it did also speaks to which way they can proceed from here.

The senior's role and importance have increased steadily throughout A&M's run, leading to a 20-point performance in an essential home victory. After the game he explained the surge and looked ahead to LSU.

Despite a game-long lead and a strong effort at home, Texas A&M never could put distance between itself and the Gators leading into a thrilling finish. Kourtney Roberson and Jalen Jones made the difference in Saturday's close outcome.

The Aggies sweated out an essential win at home against one of the conference's stalwarts, down year or not. Billy Kennedy, Billy Donovan and two of A&M's leaders summed up Saturday's emotions after the game.

In a disappointing effort in front of a disappointing crowd, Texas A&M began one of its season-defining stretches with turnovers and other errors aplenty to fall off the pace in the race for second in the SEC.

A loss on the road to a streaking Ole Miss team is acceptable; a loss on the road to the Tigers could have been devastating. Instead, the Aggies put on a dominant display of basketball that showed this team is here to stay.

Losing a semi-close game on the road against a hot team isn't terribly disheartening, but what led to it is frustrating. Though Aggies have every opportunity to recover, Wednesday's lessons must be taken to heart.

The ultimate goal is well within sight. Following their sixth straight win, the Aggies have galvanized the fan base, returned excitement to the program and positioned themselves on a run toward the NCAA Tournament.