Updated January 14, 2024By Chris Boline
What: Two Division I NCAA college basketball games in week 11 of the 2023-24 NCAA Basketball season
Who: Texas A&M Aggies at Arkansas Razorbacks & Missouri Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide
When: Tuesday, January 16th, 2024
Where: Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, AR, and Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL
Known as a dominant football conference, the Southeastern Conference, or SEC, is also one of the most talented men’s basketball collections in the NCAA. In this week’s slate of action, four teams are looking for some conference momentum as Texas A&M travels to Fayetteville while Alabama defends home against Missouri. In the former matchup, Eric Musselman’s Razorbacks are coming off a disastrous outing against Florida on the road, getting pummeled 90-68. Meanwhile, the Aggies just bested Kentucky in a sensational overtime thriller, 97-92. In the other highlighted matchup, Alabama, with its perfect 3-0 conference mark, takes on the Tigers of Missouri who have yet to win an SEC matchup this season. The Tigers have struggled at times this year but could turn things around against the 11-5 Crimson Tide.
For this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from each team in these matchups along with predicted winners, and more information on college basketball.
NCAA Basketball 23-24 Week 11 GamesThe Pick
Missouri at AlabamaAlabama ML-152-152-152Texas A&M at ArkansasTAMU ML-106-106-106
NCAA Basketball Game One Overview
Team Spotlight: Texas A&M Aggies
As noted above, the Aggies are coming off a sensational overtime victory over Kentucky at home. Led by guard Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M was able to score eight points in the overtime period to the Wildcats’ three and outlast the No. 6 ranked team in the country. With a rebounding advantage of 54-46, the Aggies were able to outmuscle the Wildcats and also use the home crowd to their advantage in this sensational early conference play win.
With his recent outburst, Taylor IV has further cemented himself as the best scoring threat for the Aggies at 18.2 points per game. Moreover, he is a solid playmaker, leading the way for Texas A&M in assists as well with 4.1 per contest. Another player to keep an eye on is forward Andersson Garcai who paces A&M with 8.6 rpg, including an impressive 4.2 offensive boards per contest.
Team Spotlight: Arkansas Razorbacks
Opposing the Aggies will be the Razorbacks, a usually talented team that has been beset by some tough breaks this season. Musselman’s crew is led by Tramon Mark in scoring at 16.7 ppg and athletic forward Trevon Brazile is the Razorbacks leader on the boards at 6.8 per contest. That said, Arkansas has underwhelmed this year with their 9-7 record, including 0-3 in conference play and is ranked as the 90th best team in the most recent KenPom rankings. Compare this to TAMU as No. 35 in KenPom. However, it would be unwise to write off the Razorbacks just yet as Musselman has done an excellent job with that program. Guiding Arkansas to two Elite Eight appearances, and a Sweet Sixteen outing in five seasons with the team (one postseason being canceled due to Covid-19).
Prediction: While the Aggies are coming off an emotionally charged win and Arkansas needs this win badly at home, take A&M to keep the good times rolling over the reeling Razorbacks.
Texas A&M MoneylineTo win vs. Arkansas
-106
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NCAA Basketball Game Two Overview
Team Spotlight: Missouri Tigers
Another squad that is searching for its first SEC win, the Tigers are led by guard Sean East II who paces the team in points (17.1) and assists (3.8). Ranked as the 103rd-best team per KenPom, Missouri needs a big showing against the Tide from its key players. The Tigers do a serviceable job of generating blocks and steals per game, both numbers that are higher than Alabama’s averages. That said, Missouri has been out of sorts this year, with few marquee wins to speak of other than a win against Minnesota earlier in the season.
Team Spotlight: Alabama Crimson Tide
Our final team showcase, the Tide, even with five losses, is ranked as a top ten in the nation per KenPom. With five straight victories, Alabama has been on a hot streak as of late, and guard Mark Sears (20.3 ppg) has been critical to that progress. Sears has been the leading scorer in the last three games for the Tide, including a triumphant 31-point effort against South Carolina. Moreover, in a high-profile loss earlier this year to Purdue, he was sensational, scoring 35 points in the effort against the Boilermakers.
Prediction: In what should be a solid game, take the Tide to win comfortably here at home.
Alabama MoneylineMissouri
-152
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Even more notes and insights for your NCAAB bets
After you are all dialed in regarding the latest news and information coming from the world of college hoops, make sure to tap into the wide variety of info available to you only at SBS. Of course, for even more information on the topic at hand, our NCAAB betting sites rundown has you covered. Here you can find all of the latest betting markets on college basketball and news to help you stay on top of the action. Moreover, for those on the go, the best betting apps guide is a must-read resource where you can learn more about the nuances of mobile betting and how you can always stay on top of the action. Finally, for those looking to potentially enhance their gaming experience, the VIP sports betting sites breakdown is a must-read page where you can learn more about the benefits of VIP online sports betting and make it work for you.
About the Author
Chris Boline
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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