No. 12 Texas A&M vs. No. 3 Florida

The 24-4 Florida Gators who hold an 11-4 SEC conference record (24-4, 11-4 SEC) will host the 20-8 Texas A&M Aggies who hold onto a 9-6 SEC record at Exactech Arena.

Florida enters the game following a heartbreaking 88-83 loss at Georgia on Tuesday night, where the Gators nearly pulled off an incredible comeback after climbing out of a 26-point deficit.

Despite the loss, the Gators have been one of the most consistent teams in the SEC this season, with their only season hiccups coming on the road.

On the other end of the court Texas A&M entered February with a strong record of 20-5 and were in conversation for a top-four finish in the SEC. However, the Aggies have lost three consecutive games to Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.

The Aggies struggles come at a critical time as they look to clinch a postseason tournament berth. Currently sitting sixth in the SEC standings, Texas A&M will need to find a way to break its losing streak in what will be a tough road matchup against Florida.

Leading Florida’s offense is Walter Clayton Jr. who is averaging 17.1 points per game. Clayton's ability to score from beyond the arc, and layer points in stacks makes him a constant threat for opposing teams. He averages 2.8 three-pointers per game, leading the Gators in that category.

Alongside him is senior guard Will Richard, who averages 13.2 points and 1.8 steals per game, helping to lead the Gators stealth defense and control in games.

Looking into the offense Alex Condon, the team’s leading rebounder with 7.6 rebounds per game, also contributes a solid 10.5 points per contest. Condon has the ability to control the glass and set a tone for the Gators, while his ability to stretch the floor with his scoring gives Florida different angles on offense.

Florida has been nearly unbeatable at home, boasting a 13-1 home record this season. The Gators have won five straight at home and will be looking to protect their court as they chase an NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed.

With just a handful of regular-season games remaining, including a crucial contest against Alabama on March 5, Florida will be aiming to rebound strongly after their tough road loss.

Despite their recent struggles, the Aggies are still a competitive team, strongly due to senior Wade Taylor IV leading the way. Taylor has been the star point of Texas A&M's offense, averaging 15.3 points per game. Alongside him, Zhuric Phelps creates 14.4 points per game.

Texas A&M also relies on their depth, with a deep rooted bench capable of contributing. Andersson Garcia is the team’s leading rebounder, grabbing 5.9 boards per game.

Game Oversight:

This game has huge implications for both teams. Florida will look to recover from their midweek loss to Georgia, while Texas A&M is desperate to break its three-game losing streak.

The Aggies’ defense, which is led by Solomon Washington who utilizes his height on blocks. They will need to slow down Florida’s ability to spread the floor, get points from all five starters and strength in bench, and control their emotions on the road, especially in front of the gators home crowd.

Overall for Texas A&M, much will depend on the performance of Wade Taylor IV and the ability of their supporting players to step up. However, Florida's strong home court advantage makes them the favorites heading into this SEC conference match up.

With both teams jockeying for positioning in the NCAA Tournament, expect a matchup that will go a long way in helping form the SEC standings in this final stretch of the regular season.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.