No. 1 Texas A&M University withstood a major scare from
an upset-hungry University of Kansas team, prevailing 50*-30. Despite
the surprise attendance of Kansas phenom seeker Keir Rudolph, Texas
A&M’s seeking corps had better opportunities, with veteran seeker
Luke Wigley securing the game-winning pull.
Facing a game against the undefeated and seemingly
invincible Texas A&M, Kansas devised a game plan to slow the game
down and extend its offensive possessions for as long as possible. The
Kansas game plan was executed nearly to perfection: it dominated the
time of possession and limited the number of Texas A&M possessions
to only seven, according to an estimate by A&M Captain Drew
Wasikowski. In a post-game interview, Wasikowski referenced how Texas
A&M relies on using its conditioning, athleticism and depth to
maintain a successful fast-paced transition game. Using all 21 players
to fly up and down the field, Texas A&M would normally be able to
outclass a team like Kansas after five-to-ten minutes.
Combined with Kansas’ strategic stalling on the offensive
end, quite a few lengthy stoppages for injuries and rule-breaking
prevented Texas A&M from getting into its normal rhythm.
Uncharacteristically of Texas A&M, the Aggies also showed sub-par
finishing ability as Kansas stuffed the World Cup VII favorites
repeatedly at the hoops. In what might have saved Texas A&M from day
one embarrassment, the Aggies were able to use their goals and other
big plays as motivation, showing much emotion beneath the lights of
field one.
Perhaps missing an opportunity, Kansas’ dual point guard
system led to more lengthy possessions than goals. As Kansas’ point
guards switched the point of attack and waited for an opening to be
detected in Texas A&M’s defense, the A&M defense rotated and
switched perfectly, holding Kansas to only 30 points.
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