Story Poster
Gary Blair
Kayla Wells
Aaliyah Wilson
Texas A&M Women's Basketball

No. 3 A&M one step away from regular-season SEC crown after 73-67 win over Bama

February 25, 2021
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Third-ranked Texas A&M handled Alabama, 73-67, Thursday night, snapping the Tide’s three-game winning streak to get one step closer to securing the number one seed of the SEC tournament.

Despite already securing a double-bye in next week’s conference tournament, Thursday’s win was important for the Aggies (21-1, 12-1 SEC) as Sunday’s matchup versus No. 5 South Carolina will now determine the SEC regular-season championship and number one seed.

Head Coach Gary Blair stressed the importance of the victory.

“Our kids accepted the challenge that was given to them because we had to win tonight to make Sunday’s game meaningful,” said Coach Blair. “It’s always meaningful anytime you play South Carolina, but we wanted that chance. Sunday afternoon is going to be a treat.”

The Aggies came out the gate explosive and demonstrated their depth as six players registered points in the first quarter. The Maroon and White led at the end of the first, 19-14. Texas A&M’s all-time leader in double-doubles’ N’dea Jones recorded her 13th of the season, grabbing 8 rebounds in quarter one and 13 total, coupled with 12 points for the Aggies.

“...We know how to win games. We make key plays at the end of the game and do the little things when it counts.”
- Senior guard Kayla Wells

The Crimson Tide fought back in the second frame, tying it up twice at 23-23 and 29-29. Jasmine Walker hit her only three of the night to push Alabama to a 26-23 lead. After the second knot at 29-29, the Aggie offense cruised to 13 unanswered points. Jordan Nixon closed out the half with a trey as the buzzer sounded in Coleman Coliseum, giving A&M a 42-29 lead at the break.

Aaliyah Wilson explained the importance of holding Walker, who averages 20.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, to just 11 points in tonight’s game.

“Coach [Bob] Starkey always has his defensive schemes,” said Wilson. “We knew if we took her away and kept Lewis off the free-throw line, we’d be in a game where we could get up on them. Jasmine is one of the best players in the league. Keeping her at low points tonight was a huge part of us getting the win.”

After Hannah Barber’s three-pointer opened up the third quarter for the Tide, Alabama suffered a five-minute scoring drought, from which they never recovered. The Aggies led 62-44 heading into the fourth. 

Blair highlighted the big runs his team made in the second and third quarters.

“The difference was, we were able to make a run in the second and third quarter. Our bench was very important in both of those runs. Anna [Dreimane] came in and gave us some big-time minutes, so did Zaay [Green], McKinzie [Green] and I just call Destiny [Pitts] a starter.”

Lia Musgrave, TexAgs
Sophomore Jordan Nixon led the team in points, steals and blocks on Thursday.

Alabama gained traction in the final quarter, firing back with 13 points, making it 66-57 with six minutes remaining. Megan Abrams made a crucial three-pointer for the Tide to bring them back within two possessions. After an exchange of points, Bama’s Jordan Lewis knocked down another three, making it a five-point ball game for the Tide with a minute and a half remaining.

A&M’s Destiny Pitts drew a foul and knocked down both from the line for the Aggies, pushing the score to 72-65 with less than a minute on the clock. Texas A&M called a timeout with 11 seconds remaining before Jordan Nixon drew a foul and knocked down a free-throw, adding her 16th and final point of the game.

Alabama’s Destiny Rice made a final layup for the Tide, but it wasn’t enough to handle the Aggies, 73-67. 

Nixon and Kayla Wells led the Aggies in scoring, both recording 16 points. Afterward, Wells emphasized the value of A&M’s experience in crucial game situations.

“We have four seniors and one redshirt junior out there and we know how to win games. We make key plays at the end of the game and do the little things when it counts.”

The Aggies will return to Reed Arena on Sunday for the top-five matchup against South Carolina, A&M’s final regular-season home game. The contest will tip at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2 and can be heard on 1620 AM and 94.5 FM.

Discussion from...

No. 3 A&M one step away from regular-season SEC crown after 73-67 win over Bama

4,355 Views | 4 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by cs69ag
greg.w.h
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AG
It wasn't the game anyone expected. We weren't our best in the 4th Quarter. Bama gave us a run in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th but we finished the second ahead by more than we thought we would and held them off in the 4th after they're defense shut us down.

But no real flaws and saw contributions that were excellent well down the bench thinking of Anna Dremaine especially who played clutch with blocks,, a steal and a timely field goal as she relieved our bigs who were in foul trouble.

We needed the win and needed the playing time for all. Now NEED a regular season championship to seal the season as arguably our best regular season ever.
aggiedrjdub
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AG
Let's beat the ever lovin' hell outta those SC Gamecocks! Bring all the rage and release the crackin'! Gig'em Aggies!!
Gig'em Aggies! c/o '98 W H O O P!
Thymes
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Will the SEC have the regular season conference championship trophy on hand for presentation to the winner? It seems like a waste of a great opportunity for publicity if there isn't an awards ceremony.
cs69ag
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AG
For me, no question this regular season is our best ever....with 1 or 2 losses.
The 2011 NC championship team had 5 regular season losses...I know 3 were to no.1 overall bu,
one to duke and one to ksu. I guess it also depends on the SEC tournament if you count that as regular season/
One 2011 loss to bu was in the SEC tournament.
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