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Texas A&M Basketball: Aggies must defeat Auburn to make NCAA Tournament

ByMatt Melton|
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Buzz Williams the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies against the Florida Gators during the second round of the 2022 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 10, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Buzz Williams the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies against the Florida Gators during the second round of the 2022 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 10, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

One of the most-entertaining games of the 2022 SEC Tournament so far, Texas A&M Basketball picked up a massive win over Florida on Thursday afternoon to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

With both the Aggies and Gators sitting in the “Next Four Out” category on the Bubble entering Thursday according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, the Aggies were able to survive a late run by Florida that forced overtime, and would win the game with a massive made three-pointer from guard Hassan Diarra.

Texas A&M’s fifth consecutive win, this was undoubtedly massive for the Aggies’ hopes in making the NCAA Tournament, but there is 100% still work to be done. Still likely on the outside looking in, the Aggies likely need one more win to get in, and it will not be easy by any means to get that win.

Why you ask? Their opponent on Friday – Auburn.

Texas A&M Basketball must defeat Auburn on Friday to make the NCAA Tournament

A rematch of when Auburn defeated Texas A&M 75-58 at home back in mid-February, the Tigers obviously present some difficult matchups for the Aggies, as well as any team within the SEC. The 2021-22 SEC regular season champions, the Tigers are a projected one-to-seed in the NCAA Tournament, and would undoubtedly be a win that would carry the Aggies into the Big Dance.

Looking back at that previous matchup in Auburn Arena, both the Tigers and Aggies struggled at times that game, with both teams shooting a combined 6-for-47 from three-point range. However, the Aggies in particular struggled from the field shooting 27.1%, as well as never leading at any point in the contest.

Looking back now, it’s obvious that Texas A&M didn’t necessarily play one of their better games of the year against Auburn. For an Auburn team that has struggled at times away from home this season, is an upset possible for the Aggies on Friday if that same team from Thursday walks onto the court?

As you already know, it is in fact March, and anything can happen. As for what Texas A&M Basketball must do on Friday against Auburn, the answer is simple – win, and you could be in.