Texas A&M remains healthy before hosting Florida in crucial matchup

Texas A&M (17-5, 7-2 SEC) entered the week with plenty of momentum after defeating Georgia on the road, leading to Wednesday’s primetime road matchup against Alabama. In one of the more exciting games of the season, the Crimson Tide, just three days after losing to Florida 100-77, defeated the Aggies 100-97 in a game that came down to the final possession.

Two days removed from the loss, the Aggies still look like one of the best teams in the SEC, and could be dangerous in the NCAA Tournament if they earn a bid. After shooting 48% from the field and hitting 13 three-pointers, the offense has not been the issue; timely defensive stops and several questionable calls are the primary reasons first-year head coach Bucky McMillan and his veteran team departed Tuscaloosa with their second loss in conference play.

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Next up, Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena for the first time in two weeks, set to host the No. 17-ranked Florida Gators, who are now tied with the Aggies for first place in the SEC standings. Bringing in what many consider to be the best front court in the country, Texas A&M’s guard rotation, especially Jacari Lane and Marcus Hill, will need to attack the paint and get the Florida bigs in foul trouble.

According to the latest injury report, both teams are 100% healthy, and after reportedly battling a knee injury throughout the season, Marcus Hill is completely healthy and has been playing like it, scoring 33 points in his last two games and over 50% from the field against Alabama.

Florida, which hasn’t played since Sunday, is also healthy, but outside of its starting rotation, the Gators lack depth, which could play to Texas A&M’s advantage.