14. Texas A&M (14-4)
Nearly all of Texas A&M’s losses have involved at least one of their top players missing the game, but this isn’t us making excuses for the Aggies. When at their best, this team has been brilliant, stockpiling wins over Creighton, Texas Tech, and Purdue among others already this season. Whether that can continue deeper into SEC play remains to be seen, especially with Wade Taylor IV missing more time recently.
They didn’t have their star guard for Tuesday’s 81-69 loss at Kentucky, a result that wasn’t necessarily that surprising. Zhuric Phelps continued a strong season with 21 points and 7 rebounds though it wasn’t enough in Lexington. Things went a fair bit better over the weekend, with Texas A&M winning 68-57 against LSU. Taylor had 12 points in his return, while Phelps notched 13 points and 6 rebounds in a decent team effort against those Tigers.
Nobody is going to feel sorry for these Aggies. They’re winning the games they’re supposed to win this season and still have looked pretty good even when playing without Phelps or Taylor at times this year. They’re pushing forward in this strong SEC though the road ahead certainly isn’t easy. Texas A&M will look to make a strong statement next week in road games at Ole Miss and Texas.