Both the Texas A&M Aggies and Colorado Buffaloes started 3-0 in Big 12 conference play, but since then both teams have fallen by the wayside.
Now 4-4 in conference, A&M has lost three straight and four of their past five. They are absolutely reeling. Take away an overtime victory against the Missouri Tigers and they are averaging a dismal 62.1 points per league game. In fact, in their two losses prior to the home L to the Baylor Bears, the Aggies scored just seven more points COMBINED than they did in that game against Mizzou.
Likewise, CU is 4-5 in conference and has dropped five of their past six, though they have been good in Boulder's Mile High air, going 3-1 at Coors Events Center during league play.
While both teams need a pick-me-up, they both have sophomore stars who are household names to Big 12 aficionados. CU's Alec Burks and A&M's Khris Middleton average 19.8 and 15.1 per game this season. In league play, Burks can be relied upon for 21 points and Middleton 14.6 (Middleton's conference numbers are hurt by a zero point performance against the Texas Longhorns at home).
So to say this game is important for each school might be an understatement as both teams now find themselves fighting for an NCAA birth. If CU doesn't pull out the victory you might as well start printing NIT programs, while A&M's 17-5 overall record will keep them in the hunt with a loss, a few more and they might also end up in the consolation bracket.
Tonight's game tips at 8:00 p.m. CT and can be seen nationally on ESPNU.
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