Aggies unable to overcome early deficit, fall 62-51 to Harvard in Orlando

Disappointing shooting and a rash of turnovers were too much for Texas A&M to overcome on Thursday as the Aggies suffered a 62-51 college basketball loss to Harvard in the Orlando Invitational in Orlando, Fla.

A&M (3-2) shot just 31.4 percent and committed 16 turnovers. Harvard (5-2) also struggled from the field (32.1 percent) but converted 20 of 20 free throw attempts.

A&M next faces Temple on Friday. Temple (4-1) lost to No. 5 Maryland 76-69 in the first round on the tournament.

Rey Romo, TexAgs

Wendell Mitchell tallied 17 points for Texas A&M in the losing effort.

Wendell Mitchell scored 17 points to lead the Aggies. Savion Flagg added 12 and Josh Nebo had 10 points.

Guard Justin Bassey scored 16 points, and guard Bryce Aiken had 14 for Harvard.

As has typically been the case this season, the Aggies got off to a slow start. They did not score until Mitchell hit a 3-pointer almost five minutes into the game. They shot just 19.2 percent in the first half.

But with strong defense, the Aggies were able to stay in contention. They pulled within 22-18 when Flagg hit a pair of free throws with less than one second remaining in the first half.

The Aggies surged early in the second half and took a 31-27 lead when Mitchell followed a layup with a steal and assist for a Jay Jay Chandler layup.

However, Harvard responded with an 11-0 run to take control with 11:12 remaining.

The Aggies fought back and trailed just 45-42 after a Nebo dunk with 4:22 to play. But Bassey answered with a layup and Aiken followed with a pair of free throws.

A&M got no closer than five points afterward.