Texas A&M Corpus Christi Preview

Date: Sunday, December 29th

Time: 3:00pm CST

Location: Lincoln, NE

2018-19 Record: 14-18 (9-9 Southland Conference

2019-20 Record: 4-8 (0-2 Southland Conference)

Head Coach: Willis Wilson (2nd year)

Previous Season:

The Mighty Islanders of Texas A&M Corpus Cristi finished the season with a losing record. Their .500 conference record put them 6th in the Southland Conference Tournament. There they met their demise by the Bears of Central Arkansas.

Current Season:

Well, this year is not much better than last year for the Islanders. They’ve won four games against Texas-Rio Grand Valley (twice), St. Thomas (TX), and St. Mary’s (TX). St. Thomas is Division III, St. Mary’s is Division II, and while Texas-Rio Grand Valley is a Division I school they do not currently have a winning record. They came close to beating Texas A&M (the regular one, not a satellite), but even those Aggies are struggling this season.

They are lead by Myles Smith who is averaging 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He is a 6’0” junior and is averaging 43% from the floor and right at 50% from the three point line. Myles did have a career high of 31 points in the loss to Central Arkansas. If the Huskers have any issues, it will be with Myles.

Next to Smith is guard Jashawn Talton-Thomas. The 6’5” senior is averaging 12.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He’s not highest scoring player but is probably the most versatile of the Islanders.

Also of note is guard Jodan Hairston. The freshman is averaging 9.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He is not the biggest threat on the floor yet for the Islanders but has potential. Jordan did have a whopping 25 points against Texas A&M earlier in the month.

Prediction:

At this point of the season the Huskers should be in position to handle this squad. The Islanders have a couple decent players, but no one that Nebraska should have a problem with.

As for their style of play, they’re slow. This is the exact opposite of what Nebraska is. Even at their worst, Nebraska should get the win. I would expect the Huskers to come out fast and take the lead early. Even if the Husker have an off night, it should be another notch in the wins column for the team.