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Texas A&M Looks to Unleash Bench Spark Plug in March Madness
Aggies guard Pop Isaacs could be the key to unlocking their offense against stifling Saint Mary's defense.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:03pm
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As the Texas A&M Aggies prepare to face the Saint Mary's Gaels in the NCAA Tournament, head coach Bucky McMillan is considering shaking up his starting lineup to give more minutes to reserve guard Pop Isaacs. Isaacs has been a spark plug off the bench lately, averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists over his last four games. With Saint Mary's boasting a top-10 defense nationally, Isaacs' ability to create offense could be crucial for the Aggies to advance.
Why it matters
Texas A&M's offense will face a major test against Saint Mary's stifling defense, which ranks among the best in college basketball. Unleashing Isaacs, who has shown the ability to get hot and carry the Aggies' scoring load, could be the key to unlocking their offense and making a deep NCAA Tournament run.
The details
Aggies star forward Rashaun Agee will likely be the focus of Saint Mary's defensive game plan, so Texas A&M will need production from its backcourt to complement Agee. Isaacs, who has started just 6 games this season despite being an experienced 57-game starter in his career, has been playing his best basketball of the season lately. In his last four games, he's averaged 14 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
- The Texas A&M Aggies will face the Saint Mary's Gaels in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20.
- Two weeks ago, Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan shook up his starting lineup in a win over Kentucky, indicating he's willing to make adjustments to find the right rotation.
The players
Rashaun Agee
A standout forward for the Texas A&M Aggies, averaging nearly 27 minutes and 15 points per game this season.
Pop Isaacs
A reserve guard for the Texas A&M Aggies who has been a spark plug off the bench, averaging 14 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists over his last four games.
Bucky McMillan
The head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, who has shown a willingness to adjust his starting lineup in search of the right rotation.
What’s next
The winner of the Texas A&M-Saint Mary's matchup will advance to face the winner of the Gonzaga-Florida game in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
Texas A&M's ability to generate offense against Saint Mary's stifling defense could come down to the play of reserve guard Pop Isaacs. If Isaacs can continue his recent hot streak and provide a scoring spark off the bench, it could be the key to unlocking the Aggies' offense and making a deep March Madness run.
