21. Texas A&M (7-2)
The SEC is loaded with talent this season and Texas A&M is one of those teams looking to prove that they belong. There’s no question that these Aggies can win significant games in that deep league, it’s all about if they can do it with consistency. They’ve scored early wins over Creighton, Ohio State, and Rutgers in building their resume, though there’s still plenty of work to be done ahead.
After winning their last two games at the Players Era Festival, the Aggies secured another win on Tuesday when they hosted Wake Forest. The game was played as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, with Texas A&M winning 57-44 thanks to their best defensive effort of the season. Star guard Wade Taylor IV had 15 points while Andersson Garcia grabbed 16 rebounds off the bench while the Aggies survived another horrific shooting performance from outside the arc.
If the Aggies can find their shooting touch, then this team might be able to go places. They’re shooting just 20% from the 3 during this recent 3-game winning streak and will need to keep leaning hard on a defense that’s showing signs of progress. Obviously, Texas A&M must start hitting shots more regularly and it honestly has to start now, especially with Texas Tech and Purdue both on the docket this week.