On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET, the Arkansas Razorbacks 15-9 (4-7 SEC) enter Reed Arena to compete with the No. 8 Texas A&M Aggies 19-5 (8-3 SEC). The Aggies have won four of their last five games, losing only to the Texas Longhorns 15-10 (4-8 SEC) on the road in the Moody Center. When Arkansas went to the Moody Center to clash with the Longhorns, they had no problems defeating them.
The Aggies are difficult to beat at home. With such an early start time, Arkansas may face a sleepy team and crowd. In this contest, Texas A&M will look to improve its seeding for the NCAA Tournament. However, Arkansas will wage a spirited effort to ameliorate its NCAA Tournament resume, given that it is currently a "bubble team." A win at No. 8 Texas A&M, which will be another signature win for John Calipari at Arkansas, will function as a gold nugget in the Razorbacks' pocket to make their case for the NCAA Tournament, especially with a few more wins in the regular season.
Before the Aggies and Razorbacks battle, it is vital to comprehend three keys for Arkansas to pull off an upset against Texas A&M in Reed Arena. If Arkansas rises to the challenges of these three keys, the team will upset Texas A&M.
3 keys to Arkansas upsetting Texas A&M in Reed Arena
Feature Zvonimir Ivisic
In any game the Razorbacks play, including at the Aggies, they have an advantage against their opponents: Zvonimir Ivisic. As John Calipari noted, Ivisic has performed as if "he's on a heater." ESPN reports that Ivisic shoots 44.3% behind the three-point line. Therefore, Calipari must place enough faith in him to allow him to employ his size and shooting prowess to help the Hogs shoot well enough to defeat the Aggies.
Arkansas often experiences harmful shooting droughts, which they must limit against the Aggies. By making Ivisic a significant part of the offensive attack, this can aid the Hogs in avoiding lengthy scoring droughts. He needs Calipari's trust, however. When he misses two or three shots, he must encourage him to continue to shoot the ball because his shooting can give the Razorbacks an edge.
By Ivisic hanging around the three-point line, Solomon Washington, who averages 5.6 rebounds per game, leading the Aggies in rebounding, will be much less effective in defensive rebounding. Also, when Henry Coleman III, who averages 5.5 rebounds per game, is tasked with defending Ivisic, he will have less of an impact on the defensive glass.
Contain Wade Taylor IV
The most dangerous player on the Texas A&M roster is Wade Taylor IV. He is the team's leading scorer, averaging 15.0 per game, and leads the team in assists, averaging 4.3 per game. If the Hogs are to win this game, D.J. Wagner must demonstrate leadership, which will be most evidenced by containing what Taylor IV does offensively. Wagner must guard the three-point line successfully, given that Taylor IV shoots 34.9% behind the three-point line. Also, he must keep him from shooting free throws, considering he shoots 88.7% from the free-throw line.
Bring the fight to Texas A&M
Arkansas must be the aggressor in this game and not simply defend the aggression of the Aggies. The Razorbacks must play with competitive fire throughout this game and play suffocating defense. If the Hogs play with the same competitive fire they did against the Kentucky Wildcats, whom they upset at Rupp Arena, they will defeat Texas A&M. However, a loss of intensity can permit the Aggies to go runs that the Razorbacks will never be able to overcome.