Aggies overpower Prairie View in final non-conference tune-up, 79-54

Before lining up for a race, one final test drive can ensure everything is running smoothly.

Texas A&M's final non-conference test was a 79-54 win over Prairie View A&M to cap off 2023 and what was arguably Buzz Williams' most intense out-of-conference slate yet, finishing without a blemishing Quad 3 or 4 loss.

The Aggies' last performance before conference foes roll into town was far from perfect but checked off the boxes needed to make the car go.

The first check off the list was the engine's operation. Although Wade Taylor IV consumes much of the role, Henry Coleman III has stepped in to provide offensive production when needed.

Against the Panthers, Coleman dominated offensively in the first half, recording 20 points and showing off his paint presence, an asset the Aggies will need in SEC play.

A&M's normal engine player and SEC Preseason Player of the Year, Taylor, provided some sparks later on, heating up in the second half and contributing 14 points.

However, even a working engine needs support around it.

Tyrece Radford, who has only played in one of A&M's last six games, returned to action with 20 valuable minutes and 11 points. An All-Conference talent a year ago, Radford's reappearance gives the Aggies another weapon at guard when Taylor needs assistance.

Additionally, on the perimeter, Jace Carter and Hayden Hefner provided a pop, as the duo combined for 14 in the win.

“He does everything. Swiss army knife,” Coleman said of Radford. ”He is able to come in and be a great defender, rebounder and shotmaker. Having him back in the rotation means a lot for the team.”

Andersson Garcia knows his role and sticks to it, but the numbers keep growing. In his 46th game at A&M, Garcia tallied his 250th rebound and his first career double-double.

“He impacts the game more than any player I have ever coached who does not have to have the ball,” Williams said of Garcia.

The parts are there, but hiccups do arise every now and then.

The first half saw a disconnect in offensive output after seeing sparks early. A 13-0 lead was shortly washed away as A&M allowed PVAMU to claw its back, scoring only 23 to the Panthers' 21 in the next 15 minutes. 

Although, A&M stretched its lead to 52-28 with 14:28 remaining, thanks to a 9-0 run triggered by Taylor. The Aggies continued to grow their lead with their supporting cast, including a second-half emergence from Manny Obaseki.

Now, the test drive does not map out the bumps ahead but reaffirms the strengths and calls attention to the weaknesses before enduring the journey.

The home squad ensured parts like the brakes and suspension system were fully functional, tallying 10 steals and an eye-popping 63 total rebounds, the fourth most in school history since the 1996-97 season.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

On top of Coleman’s 20 points, #15 added 13 rebounds.

Yet, A&M's 52 percent from the free throw line was one of those glaring issues in the first half.

Buzz Williams has opened up the gas tank and fueled this team with confidence because of the challenging schedule in the rearview. Unlike years past heading into conference play, A&M is battle-tested.

“Prior to tonight, if look at the 12 opponents and look at their offenses and average them, we have played against the average of the eight best offenses in the country,” Williams said. “We know, because of who we have played, what our problems are. That’s good information to have as long as we address those problems.”

Texas A&M will kick off the new year with a Jan. 6 meeting with LSU, a team that finished last in the SEC a year ago.

Although the first conference foe may not appear as daunting as the rest, tough competition is forthcoming.

Saturday's final maintenance check allowed the Aggies to get the car off the lot and ready for the roads that lie ahead.