Gonzaga vs. Texas A&M: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
After a pair of easy wins, Gonzaga Basketball faces tougher competition in Texas A&M. Will the Bulldogs remain unbeaten before heading to Maui?
TV schedule: Thursday, November 15, 11:30 pm ET, ESPN2
Arena: McCarthy Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington
After getting the program’s highest ever preseason ranking, the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0) has looked the part, averaging 112 points in a pair of easy wins over Idaho State and Texas Southern. Considering that both of those programs already have impressive upsets over Boise State and Baylor respectively, they can’t be considered the ultimate “cupcake”.
Even without Killian Tillie, the Bulldog’s frontcourt has been as great as advertise. Rui Hachimura averaged 25 ppg in the two contests, while San Jose State transfer Brandon Clarke has been a terror on both ends of the court. He’s averaging 17 ppg, and 11 rpg on 71% shooting. The other Zags have looked good as well, including Josh Perkins coming off an 11-assist game versus the Tigers.
With the Maui Invitational coming up in a few days, Gonzaga has one final tune-up to prepare themselves for the likes of Duke and Auburn. That game is against the Texas A&M Aggies (1-1), a team dealing with injuries to start the season.
After losing over 70% of the team’s total production from the season prior, Billy Kennedy is relying on the two key returners (Admon Gilder and TJ Starks) to uplift the Aggies into being a tournament contender. But so far, Gilder has been unable to play due to hamstring and knee issues. Not only him but Wendell Mitchell, considered the top Junior College transfer in the 2018 class, also has been out.
It has allowed other players to step up, including sophomore wing Savion Flagg. He’s leading the team in both scoring (17.5 ppg) and rebounding (10.5 rpg). Flagg is one of five players currently averaging at least 10.5 ppg and 4.0 rpg. Texas A&M split the team’s first two games, beating Savannah State 93-83 before getting upset by UC Irvine by one point, 74-73. The Aggies wencold from three-point range, going 6-28 in the loss. So far, they’re shooting just 21% from deep, which won’t get in done against Gonzaga.
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As of now, both Mitchell and Gilder are doubtful for Thursday night’s game. And even if they were both fully healthy, the Aggies would still be the underdogs against Gonzaga. It’ll be closer than the first two but Texas A&M won’t have enough to push the Bulldogs towards the end of the game.