Spring Break
Aggie improved, look to Missouri on Saturday
By: Bryan McAnally
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Sports
Although the original proverb more than likely had little to do with basketball, the saying "Its always darkest before the dawn" is perhaps the best way to describe the Texas A&M men's basketball program since their five-overtime loss to Baylor on January 23rd. Since dropping a three game losing streak early on in conference play, the Aggies have gone nowhere but up. And as the metaphorical sun continues to rise on the Aggies, they in turn prove to be progressing both on the court and on paper.
Statistically, the Aggies have been close to improving in nearly every category over the past four games. Beginning with Oklahoma State, their first win in the four game streak, and ending with their most recent win, Iowa State, the Aggies have either improved a statistic from the game before, or failed to digress twice in a row.
Free throws, perhaps once the Aggies worst ailment, has gone as follows: 76.9% (OSU), 67.9% (UT), 76.7% (OU), 70% (ISU). Three point shooting, although not the Aggies most difficult task, averaging .360% in the first four game of Big 12 play has tracked as follows over the past four games: 38.5%, 53.8%, 25%, and 40%.
Perhaps the most impressive statistic for the Aggies is the fact that they're holding on to the ball longer, turning it less over the past four games. Since Oklahoma State, the Aggies have gone from 16 turnovers to just eight a game. This ability to give the opponents less opportunities for scoring, coupled with a conference best .376% field goal percentage defense results in the Aggies making the most of their ever-improving offense.
On the hardwood, the Aggies have played through to a four game winning streak, and have moved from cellar-dwellers to legitimate contenders in the Big 12. Currently assuming the number five spot in the conference, the Aggies are 5-3, and are also one of only five teams that have played eight conference games. Teams ranked two through four (Kansas State, Texas, and Baylor, respectively) have all played only seven games, and to make matters worse, the Wildcats, Longhorns and Bears all have schedules that involve a confrontation with each other.
Statistically, the Aggies have been close to improving in nearly every category over the past four games. Beginning with Oklahoma State, their first win in the four game streak, and ending with their most recent win, Iowa State, the Aggies have either improved a statistic from the game before, or failed to digress twice in a row.
Free throws, perhaps once the Aggies worst ailment, has gone as follows: 76.9% (OSU), 67.9% (UT), 76.7% (OU), 70% (ISU). Three point shooting, although not the Aggies most difficult task, averaging .360% in the first four game of Big 12 play has tracked as follows over the past four games: 38.5%, 53.8%, 25%, and 40%.
Perhaps the most impressive statistic for the Aggies is the fact that they're holding on to the ball longer, turning it less over the past four games. Since Oklahoma State, the Aggies have gone from 16 turnovers to just eight a game. This ability to give the opponents less opportunities for scoring, coupled with a conference best .376% field goal percentage defense results in the Aggies making the most of their ever-improving offense.
On the hardwood, the Aggies have played through to a four game winning streak, and have moved from cellar-dwellers to legitimate contenders in the Big 12. Currently assuming the number five spot in the conference, the Aggies are 5-3, and are also one of only five teams that have played eight conference games. Teams ranked two through four (Kansas State, Texas, and Baylor, respectively) have all played only seven games, and to make matters worse, the Wildcats, Longhorns and Bears all have schedules that involve a confrontation with each other.
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com