COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M Aggies kicked off their Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule on Saturday night with a resounding 80-60 victory over their long-time rivals, the Texas Longhorns, at Reed Arena. This marked the first SEC matchup for both teams since Texas joined the conference, underlining the importance of the rivalry.
The game opened with both teams trying to find their rhythm, but it was Texas who initially took control. The Longhorns, with their potent offense, kept the Aggies on their heels for most of the first half, resulting in a tied game at halftime, 37-37. It was evident, though, the battle of two ranked squads would not be easily won.
After the break, Texas A&M’s coach Buzz Williams made pivotal adjustments. The Aggies came out with renewed energy, quickly launching on a 15-2 run, turning the tide of the game. Zhuric Phelps showcased his skills during this stretch, scoring six points and leading the aggressive push. The fans at Reed Arena erupted as A&M extended the lead to 52-39, cementing their authority on the game.
Despite being down, Texas fought back, orchestrated by Tramon Mark, who scored 14 points. The Longhorns dipped their toes back in the game with a 13-5 run, narrowing the gap to 57-52. Yet, the Aggies replied emphatically, with another surge— this time through Hayden Hefner, whose three-pointer ignited the crowd and pushed A&M’s lead to 68-55 with less than five minutes left on the clock.
Notably, the Aggies’ defense was commendable throughout, having held their opponents below 70 points for seven consecutive games. This defensive performance undoubtedly played a major role as the game concluded with Texas A&M having out-rebounded Texas 28-22 and forcing numerous turnovers.
Reflecting on the historic rivalry, this contest held significance not just for rankings but for establishing superiority within the SEC. “The last time these two teams met was back in 2019, when the Longhorns beat the Aggies 60-50,” reported Texas A&M Athletics. So, this game not only functioned as the season opener for conference play but also as redemption for A&M.
Zhuric Phelps was stellar for Texas A&M, finishing with 18 points, backed by Pharrel Payne with 15 points—a display of effective teamwork and strategy. A&M’s consistent offensive attacks, coupled with their dominant rebound game, allowed them to maintain control. Solomon Washington also contributed by securing 10 rebounds and adding six points, showcasing depth within the Aggies' roster.
Looking at the stats, A&M shot 47.4% from the field, proving effective even as they struggled from beyond the arc, managing only 2 of 19 attempts. Yet, their ability to adapt and respond to Texas's offense displayed their potential as serious contenders this season.
The Longhorns will need to regroup quickly as they face stiff competition— their forthcoming battles include four straight games against ranked opponents. Following this opener, Texas will host No. 2 Auburn and later visit No. 12 Oklahoma, hoping to shake off the loss and recover their momentum.
This clash isn't just about rankings; it’s about respect and pride. The Aggies—now leading 1-0 over the Longhorns for this year's SEC standings—are proving their mettle with every win.
Texas A&M’s victory signals their strategy and readiness to make waves within the SEC. Their next challenge lies not just on the scoreboard but against their rising pressures as they aim to keep up their eight-game winning streak.
Both teams are set to meet again on January 25th at Texas's Moody Center, adding more excitement to what promises to be another thrilling chapter of this storied rivalry.