Texas A&M (10-3) will enter SEC play on a three-game win streak, including three consecutive 100-plus point games after defeating Prairie View A&M 111-82 on Monday night. While the Aggies currently lead the country in assists, playing together, and looking ready for conference play, first-year head coach Bucky McMillan was informed that he'll be without star Indiana transfer forward Mackenzie Mgbako for the remainder of the year.
A devastating blow on paper, McMillan will need to rely on his veteran roster, filled with skilled transfers, including standout forward Rashaun Agee, and guards Pop Isaacs, Rylan Griffin, and Ruben Dominguez, to steer the ship and prevent a massive drop off against tougher competition. That remains to be seen, but after shooting 54% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, fans should be excited to see how this level of play translates heading into Saturday's matchup.
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After the win, Bucky McMillan, Isaacs, and Dominguez spoke to the media about the team's improvement. At the same time, McMillan provided an official statement regarding Mgbako's injury status, confirming that he'll be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Before hosting LSU (12-1) on Saturday afternoon, here is everything McMillan, Isaacs, and Dominguez had to say after Monday's victory.
Pop Isaacs on how the team has gelled during the latter half of non-conference play
"I feel like we've been playing some solid ball, but still not our best ball. We've got some ways to go to become the team we want to become, but we've made some steps in the right direction."
Isaacs on the team's growth before starting SEC play
"We've grown a lot since the start of the year. We weren't passing the ball to each other because we weren't making the right play. Now we're going into conference top five in the country in points and assists per game. We've gotten better every day."
Ruben Dominguez on the Aggies scoring over 110 points over the last three games
"It's Bucky Ball. We don't stop. There's no relaxing. That's the only way we can play."
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Isaacs on the team's mindset before entering SEC play
"It's about staying together. It won't all be peaches and cream. We're going to have highs and lows, but it's about staying consistent through those. We're ready and we're excited."
Bucky McMillan on Mackenzie Mgbako's season-ending injury
"It won't effect his career, but he'll be out the rest of the season. What a solider fighting through that for this team. We're going to miss him, he makes a huge impact. We've got to step it up."
McMillan on his team's performance on Monday
"Pretty good game, those games around Christmas always scare me. Some teams don't focus, but we got it done. Defense was okay. We can't wait for SEC play to start."
McMillan on Texas A&M's identity without Mackenzie Mgbako
"Mackenzie allowed us to play all our guys in the position we envisioned them when we recruited them. Now I know what we don't want to do with our lineup from going through it the first time without him."
McMillan on F Rashaun Agee staying out of foul trouble
"I'd rather us play aggressive than worry about fouls. We know he'll need to play more than 20 minutes a game in SEC play. He's a great rebounder. We need him on the floor as much as possible."
McMillan on the Aggies' improvement heading into conference play
"Everybody is getting better. Early in the season, I don't think everyone knew what they did well and what their teammates did well. Now they're figuring it all out and where they fit in. We have a confident team right now."
McMillan on what's ahead in SEC play
"It will be a grind in SEC play, we know that. We've got to play to who we are which is guards who can shoot and score. We've grown passing the ball and with our defense. Now we're used to this pace."
McMillan on potentially making mid-season additions from the transfer portal
"We're always looking at all recruiting options. If we added a player, I'd be looking at getting a guy and prepping him for the following year so he could hit the ground running."
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan, players said after 111-82 win

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