Powered by a career day for freshman Janiah Barker, Texas A&M women’s basketball continued their strong start to the Joni Taylor era as the Aggies glided past the Army Black Knights, 73-49.
The Aggies turned Army’s 23 turnovers into 26 points. Despite Army shooting 45.5 percent from behind the arc, A&M’s paint attack proved to be more effective.
The Aggies grabbed a quick lead as Barker had a nice look to find Aaliyah Patty for an easy score. However, the Aggies slumped through the first quarter as they struggled from the field, shooting at a 25 percent clip in the opening frame. The Black Knights shot well on the perimeter, as six of their eight first-quarter points were 3-pointers.
An aggressive defensive performance forced eight Army turnovers to finish the first quarter, and the Aggies found more of a spark offensively after the break. Barker extended her career-high performance in the second half, finishing her second game as an Aggie with 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
“She is somebody who can fill up a stat sheet,” Taylor said. “She is learning from the game and making corrections, but still, to simplify. She has a lot to her game, and she will need that at times, but at times, it’s just making the simple play.”
The Aggies only gave up 16 points in the first two quarters, but the Black Knights found more of a rhythm in the second half. Army’s shots from deep persisted, but the Aggies used the offensive glass to remain on top. A&M’s 46 paint points widened the scoring difference.
Sahara Jones’ 11 points almost marked a career-high for the guard, and Sydnee Roby dominated A&M’s paint attack with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Despite the win, Taylor emphasized doing the simple things right.
“If we would have made free throws and layups, the first quarter would have looked a lot different,” Taylor said. “We have to make free throws, and those are points we are leaving on the table. We will need those points as we continue to go.”
Although it is only the second game, A&M’s weaknesses were exposed as they made just 18 of their 33 attempted layups and shot 50 percent from the free-throw line.
Despite the minor offensive mistakes, Barker said she is starting to see the unit come together as one.
“Our team is finally starting to click,” Barker said. “As we continue to play games, it’s going to keep looking better.”
Taylor & Co. hope to improve even more as they head to Durham, NC, for their first road game of the year to take on Duke on Thursday at 6 p.m. CT.
444-2czar_iv said:
My gut is that we are going to be super lucky to have Joni Taylor and she is going to win more than GB.
Applaud Joni but don't knock Gary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!czar_iv said:
My gut is that we are going to be super lucky to have Joni Taylor and she is going to win more than GB.
trackaggie76 said:
I really like the style of play---I heard Joni tell McKenzie: "don't ask me what I want". GB's players were so used to a half court offense with set plays---This offense is a lot more fun to watch and the man to man defense is exciting and aggressive.