Buzz Williams calls out 'invisible margin' of playing at Rupp Arena

Texas A&M played Kentucky close for a half on Tuesday, before the Wildcats pulled away for an 81-69 victory in Rupp Arena. Emotions were high during the game, and the Texas A&M bench was assessed a technical foul in the first half for erupting and celebrating a dunk.

After the game, Aggies coach Buzz Williams was asked about playing at Rupp Arena and keeping your composure when calls go against you.

“It’s an invisible margin,” Buzz Williams said. “And every possession, every call, every non-call, every coach reaction, every bench reaction, every free throw blockout or lack thereof, foul, whatever the words are, I think that’s the thin line, regardless of team.”

Williams heaped a ton of praise on the Kentucky program, Rupp arena and the fan base, but he added that all of that combined can at times lead to the Wildcats getting calls.

“I mean, this is the best job in college basketball. And the arena and all that comes with it. I think everybody would agree with that,” Williams said. “So I don’t necessarily think it’s the ambiance, maybe that inflames the situation, at times.

“I’m not talking negatively about the officials. I don’t want to be fined. But I just think that the margin of those possessions that you’re talking about, it’s invisible.”

Texas A&M trailed 35-32 at the half against Kentucky before the Wildcats pushed their lead to double-digits less than three minutes into the second half. From there, Kentucky held a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

Finally, Williams said that it’s not just Kentucky that is a tough place to play but every game in the SEC is a challenge, particularly on the road.

“I also think you’re talking about arguably the best league in the country. And the depth of the talent on each [team], you’re talking about guys that are going to make multi-millions of dollars playing not in college,” Williams said. “So there’s going to be emotions. And I think you have to play with great emotion in order for it to be a game. You just can’t be emotional.”

Despite the loss, Texas A&M is still off to a strong start to the season. The Aggies are 13-4 (2-2) and have some nice wins on their resume.

The past couple of games have been tough for Texas A&M, though, as it played against Alabama and at Kentucky back-to-back.