Oats Knows Aggies Can Be a Challenge

Texas A&M needs a win in the worst way after being upset in Nashville Tuesday night by Vandy. Nate Oats knows this, and he also knows his Bama team can't lose any home games if it hopes to be cutting down the nets for winning the SEC regular season title. Here's a look at what Oats said:

Opening Statement

"We've found a way to be in first place but we're playing the one team [Texas A&M] I've got a losing record [1-3] against.

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"They've got the best rebounder in our league in Anderson Garcia. Our guys will have to man up to keep him off the glass. We have to make adjustments and go bigger.

"We've had a week between games in conference games. You can focus more on yourself. We're trying to get our defense improved.

"This team gets a lot of points off offensive rebounds. Boots Radford has been big. Wade Taylor creates plays. Those guys get the bulk of their offense.

"We've got to do  a great job on the defensive glass and on offense we've got to take care of the ball."

On the week off

"We've got some guys more focused on playing harder on defense. The overall attention to detail has been better.

"The off week was beneficial. We want to make sure guys are fresh. Most of the guys have had their best practice of the year at some point this week."

On free throw shooting

"It's great. Best way to fix it is recruit shooters. We're shooting the three pretty well and we're shooting free throws pretty well. We're fifth in the country in free throw percentage."

On the tournament committee releasing its Top 16 Saturday

"It comes out tomorrow then four weeks later on Selection Sunday. I assume we'd be somewhere in that Top 16. I'll find out after the game. Greg [Byrne, AD and committee member] hasn't told me. I don't think he's allowed to."

On stopping Taylor and Radford

"It's about  how highly contested are the shots. They know they're roles well. We just have to make things more difficult for them. They get a shot up on the rim and let Garcia... all of these guys  are hard-playing guys that just go get it."

On the throwback uniforms

"It'll be super cool. They've got great tradition around here. They've won a lot of games. The uniforms look great. The guys are excited about them and it will be nice to honor the Elite 8 team and see Antoine Pettway again."