Aggies' Underdog Journey to N-C-A-A Tournament

0:00On March 20, Texas A&M heads into their NCAA tournament opener as the 10th seed underdogs against 7th seed St. Mary's College of, California on Thursday. Coach Bucky McMillan, in his first season with the Aggies, fully embraces that role with a competitive fire from his days as a high school coach just. Six years ago, meanwhile, several players carry real tournament experience into the match-up. Third Ryland Griffin will play his 10th NCAA game, including 8 with Alabama, where they reached the final 4 last year, plus 1 at Kansas. Griffin and others shrug off predictions of a quick exit, pointing to their strong play in the top conference. They finish tied for fourth in the SEC with many close losses, building belief they can hang with anyone in single elimination games. Other Aggies like Ford's at Clements, who reach the national championship with Kansas, in Center Federico, Federico, and Elite 8 veteran from Texas Tech, add to that depth.

1:00Even McMillan's prior team at Sanford nearly upset a higher seed last year, McMillan has drilled focus into his squad all week, no regrets, no just showing up for the spotlight. With Winter Go home pressure, they aim to extend their fourth straight tournament run as far as possible.