Five Aggies net double figures as A&M ousts A&M-Kingsville 81-74
New season. New coach. New style of play.
And with so many changes from last year to now, the exhibition against the Javelinas proved to be a much-needed game for the Aggies.
“It’s the first exhibition game I’ve ever played as a head coach,” Buzz Williams said in the post-game press conference. “I think we needed reps of not only what you saw on the floor, but we needed reps of the pre-game routine, halftime and getting ready for games.”
Buzz Williams’ team shot out of the gates with a fast-paced offense and aggressive full-court, trapping defense.
The defensive intensity was seen throughout the game but the offense was hot and cold.
“We were really hyped to play and the adrenaline was going in the beginning but we got away from our discipline for a little,” Savion Flagg about the ups and downs of the game.
After an 11-2 start, the Ags saw a double-digit lead become a seven-point deficit with Kingsville putting together a 16-1 scoring run of its own. Texas A&M immediately bounced back with a 16-0 scoring run of its own.
At the break, the Aggies held a 46-34 lead.
The second half didn’t start the way Buzz would have liked as he benched all five starters at the first stoppage of play at the 18-minute mark.
But even so, the crowd in Reed Arena watched a team that played with intensity on both offense and defense. There were bodies flying around the court, numerous players diving on the floor and chasing down loose balls at every opportunity.
Texas A&M finished the game with five players in double-figure scoring and six players with three rebounds or more. However, the Ags also had six players tally three or more turnovers tonight. The hustle and intensity of the maroon and white allowed A&M to overcome 23 turnovers and end the game with an 81-74 victory.
Buzz now has five days to get his team prepared for their first non-conference matchup against Northwestern State, next Wednesday, November 6. The game will be played at Reed Arena with tip-off at 7:00 pm.