No. 13 Texas A&M Completes Season Sweep Over Oklahoma with Dominant 75-68 Victory
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The No. 13 Texas A&M men’s basketball team showcased their true potential Tuesday night as they earned a 75-68 victory against the Oklahoma Sooners at Reed Arena, completing the season sweep over their opponent. The Aggies, now 16-5 overall and 5-3 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, utilized their renowned rebounding prowess to overpower the Sooners, who dropped to 15-5 and 2-5 respectively.
The matchup was particularly significant for Texas A&M, which had recently suffered a painful setback against rival Texas, where they squandered a commanding 22-point lead. Looking to bounce back, the Aggies found their rhythm, aided by standout performances across the board and especially on the glass.
Coach Buzz Williams emphasized rebounding as the key to their victory, reiterative of his strategy to establish dominance under the basket. The Aggies finished the game with 47 rebounds compared to Oklahoma’s 19, marking Texas A&M's largest rebounding margin of the season. Impressively, A&M secured 21 offensive rebounds, compared to just two for the Sooners, highlighting their relentless pursuit of second-chance opportunities. “Coach always says it kind of bends the needle for us,” noted forward Henry Coleman III, who recorded 14 points and six rebounds. “We’re not the most talented team, so we have to find other areas to exploit and be the best at.”
Dynamic performances from multiple players contributed to the victory. Zhuric Phelps led the scoring with 15 points, converting 8-of-10 free throws, alongside double-digit outputs from teammates Wade Taylor IV (12 points), Pharrel Payne (10 points), and Manny Obaseki (10 points). This marked the second time this season the Aggies have had five players score at least ten points.
A notable fact from the game is the Aggies' improvement at the free-throw line. After struggling with their shooting percentage earlier this season, Texas A&M converted 29 of their 35 attempts (82.9%), reminiscent of their performance from years past. This was particularly refreshing, as they entered the game ranked last in the SEC for free-throw shooting at 67.4%, but turned it around impressively against Oklahoma.
After leading just 31-30 at halftime, the Aggies opened the second half with vigor, scoring the first seven points. Though Oklahoma managed to close the gap to just two points with under four minutes left, Texas A&M calmly secured the victory with efficient free-throw shooting down the stretch.
“I think we’ve had so many reps,” Coach Williams reflected postgame. “It’s not always going to have the appropriate result. We failed on Saturday. We’re disappointed. But we’re thankful for how it transpired tonight.” His sentiments echoed those of his players who felt the necessity to adapt and focus, particularly after their disappointing earlier loss. ”
The performance reflects the resilience of the Texas A&M team this season. With their future at stake, especially concerning potential NCAA Tournament placements, every game is becoming increasingly important. The Aggies currently stand with one of the best resumes—having boasted remarkable wins including Purdue and Ohio State earlier this season.
Looking at upcoming matchups, the Aggies will need to maintain their momentum as they gear up to face South Carolina next Saturday. With the Gamecocks struggling this season, at 10-11 overall and last place with 0-8 SEC record, Texas A&M will aim to solidify their position within the SEC standings and boost their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.
The sustained success hinges on the contributions from their veterans, and most critically, the urgent need for continued consistency on offense and defense. Star point guard Wade Taylor IV, who made headlines by surpassing 200 career steals during the victory over Oklahoma, remains pivotal to the team's aspirations. His career achievements include being the only Aggie with over 1,400 points and 200+ steals, underpinning his invaluable role.
“It’s always about team for us,” mentioned Taylor IV, who also emphasized the contributions of his teammates. “We have strengths we capitalize on.” His perspective resonates through the team as they look to leverage their collective strength as they navigate the rest of the season. The Aggies are poised to enter the final stretch as they prepare to make their case for inclusion within the NCAA Tournament, aiming for seated status and to avoid any last-minute surprises.
With the season heading toward its climax, fans can expect Texas A&M to continue their grit on the court, utilizing their rebounding edge, effective free-throw shooting, and coordinated team efforts. It’s clear the lessons learned this season will take the Aggies far as they strive toward tournament goals.