Maximizing possession key for low-scoring Aggies vs. Ole Miss
Desiring more possessions is frowned upon in today’s social climate.
But Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams will be frowning if the Aggies don’t get more when the Maroon & White (7-5, 2-4) travels to face Ole Miss (7-6, 2-4) in a Southeastern Conference basketball clash on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
A&M needs extra possessions to compensate for inconsistent shooting and turnovers. The Aggies are shooting just 42.6 percent from the field. They average 16.3 turnovers.
“It’s paramount for us to get as many possessions as possible,” Williams said. “We struggle to get a shot because of our turnover rate. When we do get a shot, obviously, we’re not shooting a great percentage.
“So, any opportunities on the offensive glass or at the free-throw line is manna from Heaven for us.”
Sometimes it seemed like the Aggies have needed divine intervention.
A week ago, the Aggies shot just 36.5 percent and committed 17 turnovers in a 68-52 loss to Missouri. That was the fifth time in six games that A&M scored 56 points or less.
Sophomore guard Andre Gordon had 19 points in the loss but didn’t get much help. Senior guard Jay Jay Chandler managed 11 points, and sophomore forward Emanuel Miller, who leads A&M with a 15.9 scoring average, added nine.
The Aggies were hoping to bounce back against Vanderbilt last Wednesday. Instead, that game was postponed because of COVID-19 issues within the Commodores’ program.
That cancelation provided the Aggies a couple of extra practices to try to work out their issues. Miller said they made progress.
“There’s certain practices where you know you didn’t get better as you should have. I believe, the last two practices, I walked off the floor knowing we got better that day,” Miller said. “From the competitive standpoint, from execution, I felt like each individual was so locked in at getting better. I think that’s something we can build on.”
With a show of improvement, the Aggies have a good chance to defeat Ole Miss.
The Rebels had lost five of six before defeating Mississippi State 64-46 last Tuesday. They have struggled with shooting and turnovers too.
Ole Miss has a 44.5 shooting percentage and averages 13.6 turnovers.
But the Rebs score more than A&M. They have scored at least in the 60s in every game. Guard Devontae Shuler averages 14.7 points, forward Romello White averages 10.5 and guard Jarkel Joiner averages 10.1.
Ole Miss has also been impressive, defensively. Mixing man and zone coverages effectively, the Rebels are allowing an average of 62.5 points, ranking 31st nationally in scoring defense.
That’s another reason Williams wants an increase in possessions.
“Whether a team is in zone or man, we have to create as many offensive rebound opportunities as possible just so we have an opportunity to get another shot,” he said.
