Texas A&m Aggies vs Alabama Crimson Tide Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

No. 5 Alabama, No. 10 Texas A&M Set for Top-10 SEC Showdown

A clash of styles and strengths awaits as No. 5 Alabama visits No. 10 Texas A&M on Saturday in College Station, Texas, in what promises to be one of the marquee matchups of the early Southeastern Conference schedule. Both teams bring identical 13-2 overall records and 2-0 SEC marks, but their approaches to success couldn’t be more different.

Alabama: Offensive Firepower and Defensive Progress

The Crimson Tide enter the game riding a seven-game winning streak, most recently dismantling South Carolina 88-68 on Wednesday. Despite a sluggish start, Alabama pulled away with Mark Sears leading the charge with 22 points, aided by Aden Holloway (13 points) and Clifford Omoruyi (10 points).

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Known for their relentless pace and long-range shooting, Alabama has been punishing opponents with a dynamic offense that stretches the floor and creates lanes for aggressive drives. Head coach Nate Oats credited his team’s recent dominance to a renewed commitment to defense.

“Our defense was significantly better for the whole 40 than it had been,” Oats said after the South Carolina game. “We did a pretty good job keeping South Carolina at bay for the most part.”

The Crimson Tide have outscored their opponents by an average of 24.5 points during their last four games. With their ability to shoot over the top and attack the rim, Alabama has been nearly impossible to contain.

Texas A&M: Resilience and Depth

Texas A&M, meanwhile, needed every ounce of resilience to escape No. 17 Oklahoma with an 80-78 victory on Wednesday. Playing without star guard Wade Taylor IV, the Aggies overcame an 18-point second-half deficit behind a career-high 34-point performance from Zhuric Phelps, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 19.6 seconds remaining.

Phelps, who hit six 3-pointers in the second half alone, stepped up in Taylor’s absence.
“Wade was out. We needed a guy to step up,” Phelps said. “My team just believed in me, and we got a win.”

Despite their offensive struggles early in the game, the Aggies relied on their trademark grit and accountability to claw their way back. Head coach Buzz Williams praised the character of his team:
“I thought that we just hung around. I don’t think they ever dropped their heads. They were very accountable to one another and to what we’re trying to do.”

Taylor’s availability for Saturday’s game remains uncertain, but the Aggies have proven they can adapt when needed.

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Key Matchups and Strategies

• Alabama’s Offense vs. Texas A&M’s Defense: Alabama’s ability to spread the floor and attack in multiple ways will test the Aggies’ disciplined defense. A&M must limit transition opportunities and defend the 3-point line effectively.
• Rebounding Battle: Both teams excel on the boards, with Alabama’s physical drivers and A&M’s interior toughness likely to play key roles in second-chance opportunities.
• Phelps vs. Alabama’s Defense: If Wade Taylor IV is unavailable, Phelps will need to replicate his heroic performance to keep the Aggies competitive against the high-powered Crimson Tide.

What’s at Stake

This game offers an early test of dominance in the SEC, with both teams aiming to maintain their unbeaten conference records. For Alabama, a win further cements its position among the nation’s elite. For Texas A&M, it’s a chance to prove their mettle against a top-five opponent and show they can contend even without their star guard.

With contrasting styles and top-tier talent on both sides, Saturday’s showdown is set to be a defining moment for two of the SEC’s best teams.