Buzz Williams on ‘the line’ between winning and losing for Alabama basketball vs Texas A&M

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Saturday’s game between Alabama basketball and Texas A&M will be won on the glass.

Aggies coach Buzz Williams told media on Friday he thinks rebounding is going to draw “the line” between winners and losers this weekend.

“They’re 18th in the country in offensive rebound percentage,” Williams said. “And because they shoot so many threes, for sure, three of those guys will be rushing to the rim from the perimeter depending upon who shoots it. Sometimes it’s four.”

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – JANUARY 04: Head coach Buzz Williams of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Reed Arena on January 04, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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A&M (13-2) is averaging 16.6 offensive boards per game, while limiting the opposition to just 10.

“I think with each passing year, it seems as though, from a coaching standpoint, they’ve become more committed to the value of offensive rebounding,” Williams said of Alabama (13-2).

UA outrebounded common opponent Oklahoma, 51-26, with 22 offensive boards as opposed to eight for the Sooners in a 107-79 win. For a two-point victory on Wednesday, A&M narrowly outrebounded Oklahoma, 32-27, with 17 offensive rebounds compared to another eight again for Oklahoma.

Can Alabama basketball’s top-ranked rebounders stop Texas A&M?

Holding shooters to just over 38% from the field and 21.3% from three-point range, A&M’s lauded defense is what sees the program rank ninth in the nation.

The Aggies are built to handle big men like 6-foot-11 Grant Nelson and Clifford Omoruyi around the rim.

“The NBA players they have, the NBA athleticism, the NBA length is a portion of why they’re so good,” Williams said.

The No. 5 Crimson Tide has been flying under the radar defensively, though.

Alabama ranks third in the nation with an average 30.27 defensive…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/buzz-williams-line-between-winning-234855179.html

Author : The Tuscaloosa News

Publish date : 2025-01-10 23:48:00

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