Texas A&M (4-0) up next for Mountaineers

ANAHEIM, Calif. – When No. 8 West Virginia meets Texas A&M in the second round of the 76 Classic, Bob Huggins and company can be assured of one thing.

The Aggies, now 4-0, aren’t afraid of ranked opponents.

A&M defeated No. 19 Clemson 69-60 Thursday to advance to today’s 2:30 p.m. contest.

“Physical,” said Mountaineer coach Bob Huggins. “I thought [the Aggies] were really physical. And their guards played a good game.”

Starting guard B.J. Holmes certainly played well, scoring 20 points.

“It’s great to play back-to-back teams this tough,” Holmes said afterward. “It will get us ready for the Big 12 and, hopefully, [the NCAA] tournament.”

A&M outrebounded Clemson 45-37, mostly behind 6-foot-9 center Bryan Davis and 6-8 forward reserve David Loubeau.

The Aggies have defeated Angelo State (88-69), SMU (80-68), Samford (68-49) and now Clemson.

In West Virginia, an 85-62 victor over Long Beach State, Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon expects a rugged team.

“Obviously, they have a great defense,” Turgeon said. “They are physical. It looks like they are shooting the ball well – and they aren’t playing their best player [Devin Ebanks].

“All of Coach Huggins’ teams are good. We’ve got to get some sleep, get up and be tougher [today].”