Nixon's overtime buzzer-beater completes furious Round of 32 comeback

Aggies never say die.

On the brink of letting a Sweet 16 berth slip away, No. 2 Texas A&M survived an overtime thrill as the Aggies defeated No. 7 Iowa State, 84-82, in the Round of 32 on Wednesday night.

A 27-point fourth-quarter surge got the Aggies into the extra frame despite not leading for a single second of regulation. The Maroon & White then found their hope in a sophomore from New York City: Jordan Nixon.

Making game-winning shots has become routine for Nixon, but tonight, it mattered more than ever as she secured the sweetest victory with a bucket as time expired to send the Aggies their third straight trip to the Sweet 16.

“We worked so hard this year,” Nixon said. “We clawed back in this game. We didn’t want to go home tonight, and I’m glad we’re still dancing.”

A quick glance at the final score makes the game look close, but the Aggies struggled from the opening tip. According to Nixon, that was the spirit of the 12th Man shining through in San Antonio.

“Spirit of the 12th Man, if you’re familiar, we keep fighting,” an emotional Nixon told ESPN2 after the game. “We never say die. Never say die, and I think you saw that tonight."

Nixon stepped up in a huge way for the Maroon & White, capturing a career-high of 35 points two nights after scoring a previous career-high 21 against Troy. She explained the emotion that went into her gameplay tonight and how she rose to the occasion.

“Yesterday, March 23 last year my coach Dave Edwards died (from COVID-19),” Nixon said. “He’s actually a Texas A&M alumni. Today was for him.

“I didn’t tell anyone, just wanted to win the game, but there was a little something in me that wanted to do something for him.”

Nixon kept Texas A&M in the game with a dominant run in the second quarter, scoring 14 of the Aggies’ 18 in the frame, pulling A&M within five at the break. 

Lia Musgrave, TexAgs

The Aggies rushed the floor to celebrate with Nixon after she punched their ticket to the Sweet 16.

The Cyclones controlled the first three quarters thanks to their lethal sharp-shooting, making 6-of-7 treys in the first quarter. The Aggies struggled to defend the arc and Ashley Joens early.

However, A&M found their stride defensively towards as halftime approached as the Aggies forced four turnovers and held the Cyclones to only two triples in the quarter.

Texas A&M head coach Gary Blair reflected on the game and Joens’ outstanding night.

“Give Joens credit,” Blair said. “She’s an all-American. What a tremendous player. Their freshmen are good. I’m so impressed by Iowa State. I’m glad I’m in the SEC and not the Big 12.”

The stat book was as balanced as usual for the Aggies with only three players getting double-digits. Ciera Johnson poured in 19 points, and Aaliyah Wilson scored 11 points.

While Nixon was obviously the hero, perhaps the second biggest play of the night came in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter when Alexis Morris forced a tie-up, giving A&M the ball back. That extra possession allowed Nixon to forge a 75-75 tie.

Texas A&M’s tournament run continues on Saturday, March 27, as the Aggies face Arizona in the Sweet 16. Tip-off from the Alamodome in San Antonio is set for 7 p.m. CT on ESPN2.