[12:00 PM] #19 Arizona v. Texas A&M

Who will WIN this matchup?

#19 Arizona Wildcats (9-2)

Texas A&M Aggies (7-2)

 

• The line for this game is Texas A&M by 2 points.

• Texas A&M and Arizona bring three-game winning streaks into their showdown Saturday in the Lone Star Shootout in Houston. The Aggies and the 19th-ranked Wildcats both could use an impressive win over a quality non-conference opponent to add to their resume before starting conference play.

• Four of the Wildcats’ five starters average double-digit scoring with the freshman trio of Lauri Markkanen (16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds), Rawle Alkins (12.4 points) and Kobi Simmons (12.2 points) leading the way. Markkanen and Dusan Ristic (10 points, 6.4 rebounds) give Arizona a pair of 7-footers who can dominate inside, while Markkanen also can stretch defenses and shoots 44.9 percent from 3-point range. The team’s biggest weakness is the absence of an excellent ball-handler with point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright sidelined with an ankle injury.

• The Aggies have a trio of solid big men of their own in 6-10 centers Tyler Davis (14.6 points, 7.6 rebounds) and Tonny Trocha-Morelos (10 points, 4.3 rebounds), and 6-9 freshman forward Robert Williams (10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds). Davis is the reigning SEC Player of the Week after averaging 18 points and eight rebounds in three wins last week. Swingman D.J. Hogg (12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds) and point guard Admon Gilder (12.6 points, 4.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds) also average double-digit scoring.

• Arizona leads the series 6-1, but Texas A&M won the most recent contest in 2009.

• Ristic scored in double figures in five straight games, averaging 12.6 points and seven rebounds over that stretch.

• The Aggies are 1-2 at Toyota Center, where they haven’t won since beating LSU in 2008.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: #19 Arizona Wildcats  

Confidence: 5/10

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