Texas A&M basketball opened its second season under head coach Bucky McMillan with an impressive 97-66 victory over Alabama State on Tuesday. The Aggies will look to build on that performance Friday when they host Northern Kentucky at Reed Arena.

The season opener provided an encouraging first look at McMillan's revamped roster, with five players scoring in double figures. PJ Haggerty led the way with 22 points, Jordan Pope added 17, and Jalen Shelley recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Texas A&M also showcased its aggressive defensive approach, forcing 25 turnovers and recording 13 steals. However, the Aggies allowed 16 offensive rebounds and struggled at the free-throw line, leaving room for improvement despite the comfortable victory. Northern Kentucky finished last season 20-14 and offers another opportunity for Texas A&M to build chemistry before facing tougher nonconference competition.

Here are three things to watch when the Aggies take the court Friday.

1. Can PJ Haggerty and Jordan Pope become a dominant backcourt?

Texas A&M entered the season with high expectations for its new backcourt, and Haggerty and Pope wasted little time showing their scoring ability. Haggerty finished with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting against Alabama State, while Pope contributed 17 points. Together, they accounted for 39 points, more than 40% of the Aggies' offense.

The question moving forward is how effectively the two guards can complement each other as defenses adjust. Both have shown they can create their own offense, but developing chemistry and consistently finding quality scoring opportunities will matter as the competition improves.

2. Will Jalen Shelley help solve Texas A&M's rebounding concerns?

Shelley delivered one of the season opener's most encouraging performances, recording 14 points and 12 rebounds in his Texas A&M debut.

His production was particularly important for a team replacing significant frontcourt experience. However, the Aggies still allowed Alabama State to collect 16 offensive rebounds, an area that could become problematic against stronger opponents.

Shelley's ability to establish himself as a consistent presence on the glass could help address that concern. Texas A&M will also need its other forwards and guards to contribute defensively rather than relying on one player to control the boards.

3. Can Texas A&M maintain its defensive intensity?

McMillan's aggressive defensive philosophy showed against Alabama State, with the Aggies forcing 25 turnovers and turning those mistakes into 30 points.

Texas A&M also recorded 13 steals, creating additional possessions and helping turn a competitive first half into a convincing victory. The challenge Friday will be maintaining that pressure without sacrificing defensive positioning or allowing opponents too many second-chance opportunities.

Northern Kentucky averaged 83.1 points per game last season, making the Norse an interesting early test for the Aggies' defensive approach.

Texas A&M has already shown it can score in bunches. If the Aggies can combine that offensive production with more consistent rebounding and defensive execution, Friday could provide another encouraging step in McMillan's second season.

The Aggies and Norse are scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 6, with the game streaming on SEC Network+.