GAME NOTES: The 11th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies welcome the Grambling State Tigers to College Station for a non-conference matchup. After winning its first game of the season, Grambling proceeded to lose four consecutive decisions. Finally, the Tigers were able to halt the slide on December 18th with a 68-64 triumph over Jarvis Christian. Grambling has been idle since that contest, and today's game clearly represents a major leap in level of competition. Texas A&M won its first seven games of the team before suffering back-to-back losses to LSU and UCLA, a pair of teams that reached the 2006 Final Four. Fortunately, the Aggies have bounced back strong from that mini slump with three consecutive victories, including an 87-58 romp over Auburn Friday. All 10 victories have come by double figures, as Texas A&M does not allow inferior opponents to keep games close. The Aggies holds a 3-0 series lead over Grambling State, including a 101-71 romp over the Tigers a year ago.

Generating offense has proven to be quite difficult for Grambling through its six games, as the team is only netting 60.3 ppg on 36.3 percent shooting from the floor, including 28.3 percent from three-point range. The Tigers have turned the ball over 121 times, an average of 20 giveaways per outing. They are also permitting opponents to score 74.0 ppg. The leading scorer for Grambling is Andre' Ratliff, as he is posting 14.0 ppg despite his poor 33.3 percent shooting from the field. Kendric Baker is the club's only other double-digit scorer, as he is contributing 10.2 ppg on an embarrassing 27.4 percent shooting club from the floor. Anthony Williams led the way in the win over Jarvis Christian with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Andrew Prestley ad Jamal Breaux added 11 points apiece. The Tigers won the game despite 17 turnovers and 39.3 percent overall shooting.

Outstanding offensive balance has been key to Texas A&M's success thus far, as four players are averaging double figures in scoring. Acie Law leads the way with 14.8 ppg, and he has dished out nearly 5.0 apg. Joseph Jones adds 13.5 ppg to the mix, while Antanas Kavaliauskas is close behind with 12.7 ppg. Rounding out the foursome is Josh Carter with 11.9 ppg for a Texas A&M team that has featured the same starting lineup in all 12 games. The Aggies are scoring 77.0 ppg on 52.4 percent shooting from the field, and they are limiting opponents to 54.0 ppg on 34.2 percent efficiency from the floor. In the romp over Auburn last time out, Law racked up 21 points to pace five double-digit scorers. Texas A&M connected on 57.1 percent of its field goal attempts and limited the Tigers to 33.3 percent efficiency.

Texas A&M is far superior to Grambling in all aspects of the game and should win easily. Law and Jones will put up solid numbers as usual, but expect a balanced effort.