“The Student Section Supports” highlights one game each weekend that is under the national radar and/or has high upset potential. I can’t believe it’s already the last installment for 2008-09. Last week’s preview was Tennessee at Florida, a game Tennessee won, 79-75.
When: Saturday, 2 ET (ESPN2).
Make no mistake about it: if A&M wins this game, it will get a bid.
MISSOURI (25-5): For my money, the Tigers have had the most surprising season of any team out there. Hard to believe more people think Bill Self deserves Coach of the Year votes than Mizzou coach Mike Anderson.
Could win because … It can score. This team spreads the floor well, gets 12-20 fast-break points per game and never lets a defense feel comfortable less than eight feet from the rim. The Tigers also average 11 steals per game, which leads to all their fast-break points.
Could lose because … What’s there left to play for here? Missouri will be anxious for the Big 12 tournament, look to steal a two-seed there, and with a desperate A&M team that needs another win this big, it would be hardly shocking.
TEXAS A&M (22-8): The Aggies (with familiar name Josh Carter still producing) have survived the Billy Gillispie exodus. Some think that’s less shocking by the week.
Could win because … Missouri hasn’t played A&M yet this season. For as much as that favors the Tigers, maybe the Aggies hold the ace. They’ve won five games against Big 12 opponents who faced them for the first time this season.
Could lose because … Weak legs. A&M tends to get tired as the game goes on. It’s still a fighting team, but you can clearly see, when you watch it, that the team shifts from an attack mode to a slower pace in the final five minutes. Missouri does not do that.
