Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas A&m Aggies Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

No. 17 Oklahoma wants to attack glass vs. No. 10 Texas A&M

As No. 17 Oklahoma prepares to host No. 10 Texas A&M in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, the Sooners are keenly focused on one critical aspect of the game—rebounding. After a humbling 107-79 loss to No. 5 Alabama in their SEC debut, Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser is demanding a stronger, collective effort on the boards to counter Texas A&M’s dominance.

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Oklahoma’s Struggles on the Glass

In the loss to Alabama, Oklahoma (13-1, 0-1 SEC) was outrebounded 51-26. The Sooners were simply outmuscled, and Moser is determined to correct that. Drawing from lessons he learned under legendary coach Rick Majerus, Moser emphasized the fundamentals of blocking out and rebounding as a team effort.

“You’re not going to play jump ball in the paint,” Moser said. “We have to physically check off and go get it. It has to be a group effort. Guards have to rebound down. We can’t have guys playing 18 minutes and grabbing one rebound.”

The challenge is significant against Texas A&M, a team Moser described as “an elite offensive rebounding team.” The Aggies’ physical style on the glass requires Oklahoma to focus on technique, effort, and commitment from every player on the court.

Texas A&M’s Rebounding Edge

The Aggies (12-2, 1-0 SEC) come into the game riding an eight-game win streak, including a commanding 80-60 victory over Texas. In that game, Texas A&M dominated with an 11-5 edge in offensive rebounds, further solidifying their reputation as one of the toughest teams on the boards.

Fifth-year guard Hayden Hefner, though not a standout statistically, epitomizes the Aggies’ gritty approach. Against Texas, he contributed nine points and four rebounds, but his coach, Buzz Williams, praised him for his intangible qualities.

“He’s got big guts,” Williams said. “Can he jump? No. Is he the strongest? No. Is he the best in any category? No. But I like guys that try real hard when no one thinks they can do it.”

Williams’ team-first philosophy has been a cornerstone of Texas A&M’s success, with players buying into a system that prioritizes effort and physicality.

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Key Players to Watch

Oklahoma Sooners

• Jeremiah Fears (17.9 PPG):
  The freshman guard struggled against Alabama, scoring only one point in the first half. Moser stressed that Fears needs to impact the game in other ways, like defense and playmaking, even when his shots aren’t falling.
  “He’s an unbelievable kid, and he’ll learn from this. It’s his first experience doing this,” Moser said.
• Jalon Moore (17.9 PPG):
  As the team’s co-leading scorer, Moore’s offensive consistency will be critical for the Sooners to compete against a top-10 opponent.

Texas A&M Aggies

• Wade Taylor IV (15.7 PPG):
  The Aggies’ leading scorer has been a steady offensive presence, including a 13-point performance against Texas. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments makes him a focal point for Oklahoma’s defense.
• Hayden Hefner:
  While not the team’s statistical leader, Hefner’s grit and determination set the tone for Texas A&M’s physical style of play.

Keys to the Matchup

1. Rebounding Battle:
   Oklahoma’s success hinges on closing the rebounding gap. This means boxing out aggressively and involving guards in securing defensive rebounds to limit Texas A&M’s second-chance opportunities.
2. Team Effort:
   Both coaches highlighted the importance of collective contributions. For Oklahoma, this means guards like Fears and wings like Moore need to step up on the boards. For Texas A&M, players like Hefner prove that heart and effort can sometimes outweigh raw talent.
3. Conference Stakes:
   As both teams vie for dominance in the ultra-competitive SEC, every game counts. Texas A&M looks to extend its win streak to nine games, while Oklahoma seeks redemption after its first loss of the season.

What’s at Stake?

For Oklahoma, this game is an opportunity to prove they can adapt and compete against elite SEC teams. Improving their rebounding effort and ensuring strong performances from their stars will be pivotal. Texas A&M, on the other hand, looks to maintain their momentum and continue asserting their dominance on the glass.

As Buzz Williams aptly said, “The margins are razor thin. That’s how elite this league is.”

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Conclusion

This matchup promises to be a physical battle, with rebounding likely determining the outcome. While Texas A&M brings grit and a proven ability to control the glass, Oklahoma has the chance to rise to the challenge by channeling Moser’s fundamentals-focused approach. The stage is set for an exciting clash between two top-20 teams in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.