Texas A&M Looks To Keep Momentum Churing In Road Test vs. Arkansas

The Texas A&M Aggies are hoping their upset over then-No. 6 Kentucky is paving the way to brighter days ahead.

Wins carry momentum over to the next match in sports. At least that's what Texas A&M hopes to see happen entering Tuesday's road matchup against Arkansas. 

The Aggies are riding high coming off their 97-92 win over then-No. 6 Kentucky on Saturday. This was the version of A&M hoops that paved the way for a run down the stretch last season to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. 

It's the version that must take the court each week if A&M hopes to return to the postseason under Buzz Williams in 2024. History, however, has not been kind to the Aggies in Fayetteville over the years.

Since joining the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have only won once at Bud Walton Arena, dating back to 2019. 

The Razorbacks and Aggies mirror each other as programs with high potential in the SEC. When hot, they can beat anyone with consistent shooting and exceptional defense. 

Texas A&M Aggies guard Manny Obaseki (35) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 :: Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

When cold, things can head south fast. A&M (10-6, 1-2 SEC) picked up its biggest win of the season at Reed Arena after connecting on 40.2 percent of its shots while out-rebounding the Wildcats 54-46. Entering Saturday, the Aggies had lost four of their last six games, including consecutive losses to LSU and No. 16 Auburn to open conference play. 

Hangover games are real in the SEC, not just for A&M, but all programs. The Hogs (9-7, 0-3 SEC) secured an 80-75 victory over then-No. 7 Duke at home in early November after making 40.9 percent of their 3-point shots. Since then, they're 4-4 with three consecutive double-digit losses to Auburn, Florida and Georgia to open the SEC schedule. 

The Aggies could turn to Solomon Washington for defensive success against a backcourt averaging 21.7 points per contest. Last week, in the Wildcats' victory, Washington recorded five defensive rebounds and two blocks to set up scoring opportunities.

Offensively, A&M turned to Wade Taylor for a 31-point showcase. Tyrece "Boots" Radford nearly posted a double-double with his 28-point, nine-rebound performance. 

Arkansas offensively will rely on the trio of Tramon Mark, Keyon Menifield Jr., and Davonte Davis to maintain the winning streak at home against A&M. Mark, a transfer from Houston, is averaging a team-leading 16.7 points per game and 3.7 rebounds. 

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Menifeld, a Washington transfer, scored 14 points in the conference-opening loss to the Tigers and hasn't scored since. The sophomore missed 10 games at the start of the season, thus pushing his average down to 6.6 points per game. 

A&M's best asset is its offensive rebounding to set up second-scoring chances. The Aggies rank fourth nationally in rebounds with 43.6 per contest and lead the nation in offensive boards with 18.8. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. on SEC Network.