An intriguing Big Ten/SEC matchup, Wisconsin and Texas A&M meet to officially tip-off the 2021 Maui Invitational.
When: Monday, November 22 at 2:00 pm ET on ESPN2
Location: Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, NV
In what is the first of many intriguing non-conference matchups across the next week, Wisconsin and Texas A&M meet to officially tip-off the 2021 Maui Invitational.
Wisconsin has not played since last Monday as the Badgers suffered a 63-58 loss to Providence in their previous contest. Dropping Wisconsin to a 2-1 record on the season, the Badgers struggled offensively shooting only 32.8% from the field (5-for-27 from three), but did receive a game-high 25 points from senior guard Brad Davison.
While Wisconsin is only averaging 70.3 PPG offensively, the Badgers are also only allowing 51.7 PPG to opponents so far this season as the No. 13 team in the country in defensive efficiency according to KenPom. While the previously mentioned Davison leads the Badgers in scoring, Wisconsin also has two other players averaging in double-figures in guard Johnny Davis (15 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.5 APG) and Steven Crowl (11 PPG, 6.3 RPG).
Texas A&M enters the Maui Invitational at an undefeated 4-0 to start year No. 3 under head coach Buzz Williams, as well as coming off a dominant 73-39 home win over Houston Baptist. A game in which the Aggies dominated the second half, Texas A&M received double-figure scoring from four players, as well as shooting a combined 46.7% from the field and 40% from three.
The Aggies have four players averaging in double-figures led by offseason transfers Henry Coleman (12.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG), Tyrece Radford (11.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG), and Marcus Williams (10.8 PPG), while returning guard Quenton Jackson (10.8 PPG) also plays a key role. Texas A&M is averaging 76 PPG offensively, as well as a solid defensive team allowing only 57.5 PPG to opponents this season.
Not only will this be Texas A&M’s first game of the 2021-22 season outside of College Station, but it will also include the Aggies’ toughest opponent up to this point in Wisconsin. This game will likely be a close, low-scoring contest between two very-good defensive teams, and should be an exciting start to the 2021 Maui Invitational.
Prediction: Wisconsin 67, Texas A&M 63