Key matchup: Texas A&M’s TJ Starks will test Gonzaga’s backcourt
Texas A&M has multiple scoring threats, with five players averaging in double figures, but point guard TJ Starks appears to be one of the Aggies’ barometers. The sophomore, a preseason All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection, had 16 points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals, but committed nine turnovers against Savannah State in the season opener.
Starks started the final 15 games as a freshman, averaging 9.9 points per game for the season. He scored a season-high 23 points against No. 8 Auburn and 17 versus No. 24 Kentucky in two victories.
Gonzaga starting point guard Josh Perkins and Geno Crandall, off the bench, will probably be the primary defenders on Starks, who is shooting 37.6 percent, including 30 percent on 3-pointers, in 34 career games.