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Buzz Williams explains how Texas A&M has changed since losing streak

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels03/10/22ChandlerVessels

At one point this season, Buzz Williams and Texas A&M seemed to have little hope of making the NCAA Tournament. The Aggies went on an eight-game losing streak from Jan. 19 until Feb. 12 this season, at one point falling to 15-10 on the season.

Williams and company have turned things around from that point to win six of their past seven contests, including a miraculous 83-80 overtime victory against Florida on Thursday in the SEC Tournament. Hassan Diarra nailed a 3-pointer with one second remaining to give the Aggies the win. That sets up a matchup with top-seeded Auburn in the conference tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

Williams joined the Paul Finebaum Show prior to the start of the SEC Tournament, where he talked about what has changed for A&M since that big losing streak earlier this season.

“Our personnel has changed a little bit and I think our style of play has changed a little bit offensively,” the coach said. “Nothing major, nothing seismic change, but I think we’re playing with more togetherness. We’re more connected. I think the lesson that came from the eight-game losing streak have really propelled us over the past three weeks.”

Diarra finished with 14 points off the bench in the game, while Henry Coleman III led the Aggies with 22 points. They shot an impressive 52.9% from beyond the arc in the win.

Even with its recent success, Texas A&M is far from a lock to make the NCAA Tournament next week. The Aggies were listed as one of the next four out in ESPN’s latest bracketology projections. However, their recent victory in the SEC Tournament could improve those chances. If they manage a victory against Auburn, it would make things even more interesting.

The two teams have already met once this season, with Auburn coming away with a 75-58 win at home. Perhaps the neutral location of the SEC Tournament can work in A&M’s favor as they seek revenge for that loss.

Tip-off between Buzz Williams’ Texas A&M team and Auburn is set for noon ET Friday in Tampa Bay.