Ware's eighth double-double headlines A&M's 10th straight victory

Press conference video courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics.

Few tasks can be accomplished 10 straight times.

In fact, Texas A&M women's basketball has only strung together a double-digit win streak nine times in program history.

That was before today.

These Aggies' 10th consecutive victory came by care of business against their final non-conference opponent, Texas A&M-Commerece, 87-63, to conclude the year and run through non-SEC opponents.

Sunday's win to continue the successful spell may be an impressive feat to some, but head coach Joni Taylor wants more.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

The Aggies’ streak is the longest since an 11-game stretch running from Jan. 17 to March 5, 2021.

"This was good for us," Lauren Ware said. "It was a good turnaround from last season, but we still have a lot more games to win if we want to say we accomplished anything. Joni (Taylor) always says we haven't done anything yet. We haven't."

Coming into the season, Taylor was precise in her messaging to the team, explaining to her squad that they did not know how to win after escaping victorious just five times last year.

With non-conference play in the rearview, a 12-1 record isn't flawless, but rather a pretty polished start heading into a fiery conference slate.

Sunday’s final tune-up saw much of what has been seen all season, with two Aggies — Janiah Barker and Ware — recording double-doubles.

A returner off last year's youthful squad, Barker's six double-digit performances have assisted A&M throughout the stretch of victory.

Additionally, Ware's versatility has been an asset all season, as the transfer provided her eighth double-double in just 13 games.

A trio of Barker, Ware and Endyia Rogers led the charge to start until the Lions' hot hand behind the arc put Commerece a little too close for comfort. The 23-19 lead at the first break lacked the explosiveness wanted, but the second quarter appeared much different.

"We, honestly, have to stay solid. Their guards were really, really fast," Barker said. "There were points of emphasis where we had to keep the ball in front of us. Joni was saying we have to be in help, help-side and make sure they can't drive us after one dribble."

A&M outscored its visitors 25-7 in the second frame, taking control in the paint, drawing fouls and cashing the free throws.

The Aggies consumed the lane for the remainder of the contest, finishing with 71 rebounds, the second-best in program history.

While that may seem like another remarkable accomplishment, Taylor wasn't satisfied.

"A lot of that was our own misses. Taylor said. "I see 71 rebounds, but those are points we will need in conference play. Call me picky. Call me not satisfied. We have that many rebounds because we missed point-blank shots at the rim."

The Lions went on to outscore the Aggies in the final frame, 18-15, but that was not enough of a finish to come within reach as A&M secured their 12th victory.

Heading into the New Year and the "new season," victory may not come as easy, but the development of Taylor's second-year team will be noticed.

Many of the Aggies' woes a year ago were a product of an injury-plagued roster and simple inexperience, playing five conference games with just seven players.

These Aggies are healthy in year two. These Aggies have experience in year two.

Four are averaging 10-plus points a game, and anyone can turn up the heat at any given moment.

"We have grown a ton. You are talking about a team that won five games last year and two conference games. There are a lot of things we have had to learn," Taylor said. "It's a whole new season come Thursday."

A&M has quietly cruised through their non-conference schedule.

Noise is bound to be made soon and could begin at Georgia (9-4) on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.