Texas A&M Dominates Texas in Basketball Rivalry

News Summary

On January 4, 2025, Texas A&M Aggies secured a convincing 80-60 victory against Texas Longhorns in College Station. It marked the first SEC matchup for Texas, highlighting a thrilling rivalry with notable performances from key players. The Aggies extended their winning streak to eight games, while Texas looks to rebound as they prepare for No. 2 Auburn. The game showcased intense competition, with the score tied at half-time before A&M pulled ahead decisively in the second half.

College Station Celebrates Texas A&M’s Big Win Over Texas

In a thrilling basketball showdown in College Station on January 4, 2025, the Texas A&M Aggies took the spotlight, defeating the Texas Longhorns with a decisive score of 80-60. This match was particularly special as it marked the first official Southeastern Conference (SEC) clash for the Longhorns, who have recently joined the SEC.

Clash of Rivals

Fans filled the stands with excitement, bringing an attendance of 12,236 eager spectators to witness the fierce rivalry unfold. This matchup was not just another game; it was the first time since February 6, 2012, that Texas and Texas A&M met on campus, adding extra juice to an already electric atmosphere.

Half-Time Drama

As the first half came to an end, the score was tied at 37-37, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams fought fiercely for control, but the intensity really ramped up in the second half, where Texas A&M pulled away with powerful momentum. They kicked off the second half by going on a devastating 15-2 run, stretching their lead to a comfortable 52-39.

The Longhorns, however, did not back down easily. They made a commendable effort to claw back, narrowing the gap to just five points at 57-52. Unfortunately, the Aggies regained their footing and managed to pull ahead decisively with a late run in the last eight minutes of the game, securing their 80-60 victory.

Key Players Shine

Texas A&M’s Zhuric Phelps emerged as the leading scorer for his team, racking up an impressive 18 points. Tramon Mark led the Longhorns with 14 points, shooting effectively from the floor and maintaining a perfect record at the free-throw line with 4-of-4 accuracy. Following closely was senior Arthur Kaluma, who contributed 13 points and snagged seven rebounds, demonstrating his value on both ends of the court.

Junior Jordan Pope and freshman Tre Johnson were also pivotal for Texas, finishing with 12 and 11 points respectively. Johnson’s performance was highlighted by his flawless free-throw shooting, hitting all seven attempts while showcasing his defensive skills with a career-high two blocked shots. Meanwhile, graduate Kadin Shedrick dominated the boards, grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Texas A&M extended their impressive winning streak to eight consecutive games. As for the Longhorns, they have a challenging road ahead as they prepare to host the No. 2 Auburn Tigers on January 7.

In terms of shooting statistics, Texas struggled a bit from the field, shooting only 34.6%, including a mere 26.9% from beyond the arc. They did find success at the free-throw line, hitting 85% of their attempts. On the other hand, Texas A&M performed better offensively, shooting 47.4% overall, with a less impressive 10.5% from three-point territory, and also converting 75% of their free throws.

Turnovers played a significant role in the game, with Texas recording 11 turnovers and managing five steals, while Texas A&M faced minor hiccups with seven turnovers and secured four steals on defense.

Final Thoughts

As Texas A&M continues to show impressive form early in the season, questions linger regarding how the Longhorns will bounce back from this loss. The SEC is heating up, and fans across Texas are ready for more exhilarating action ahead!