Norman trek figures to be difficult for momentum-infused Aggies

The Aggies stopped the bleeding. Next, they’re hoping for an infusion to restore health to their NCAA Tournament resume.

Texas A&M (18-8, 8-5) ended a four-game losing streak with an 80-77 Southeastern Conference basketball victory over Ole Miss on Wednesday.

The Aggies aim to build momentum when they face Oklahoma (13-13, 3-10) at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in Norman.

The general opinion is A&M needs 10 victories in SEC play to feel comfortable about earning a place in March Madness.

They can take a giant step in that direction by posting a second victory over the Sooners. A&M defeated Oklahoma 83-76 at Reed Arena on Jan. 10.

In that game, the Aggies appeared to wear down the Sooners. OU committed 17 turnovers and converted just four of their 20 field goal attempts in the final 14 minutes. OU missed its last 10 attempts from 3-point range.

Rashaun Agee posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds in that game. Four other Aggies scored in double figures.

Danny Grant, TexAgs

With 11 double-doubles, Rashaun Agee has equaled the program record for most double-doubles in a single season.

Getting that win wasn’t easy. Getting a second victory over Oklahoma figures to be even more difficult.

Not only are the Sooners playing on their home court, but they’ve also shown improvement of late.

Although OU was toppled 89-66 at Tennessee earlier this week, the Sooners previously had posted back-to-back victories over Vanderbilt and Georgia.

Guard Nijel Pack, who scored 24 in the first game vs. A&M, leads the Sooners with a 16.1 scoring average. He’s scored at least 17 points in six of OU’s last seven games.

Also, guard Xzayvier Brown, who had 20 vs. Vanderbilt, averages 15.7, while 6-foot-9 forward Tae Davis averages 12.9, and 6-8 forward Derrion Reid averages 11.4.

But as was the case in the first game against A&M, depth has been a problem for OU. No other Sooner averages more than 7.1 points.

Another problem could be A&M guard Rubén Dominguez, who previously hit four 3-pointers en route to 14 points against the Sooners.

Dominguez broke out of a slump with 13 points and a couple of treys in the victory over Ole Miss.

A&M is hopeful Dominguez again provide an infusion of scoring against Oklahoma.