Five Aggies reach double figures as A&M controls Western Michigan, 86-38
Another step in the right direction.
On Sunday afternoon, Texas A&M dispatched Western Michigan with an all-around complete performance, 86-38.
”I thought we came out with really good intensity,” head coach Joni Taylor said. “It's the second game in a row where it looked the way it's supposed to look from an intensity standpoint.
After a disappointing season-opening loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and just pulling out a back-and-forth affair with UTSA, the Aggies appeared to have their feet underneath them.
“We had better flow, Taylor said. “We shot the ball well, finally. We are continuing to move in the right direction. We still have some things to work on, but we have accepted the challenge. That’s what I am pleased with.”
In just her third game back after a 960-day stint away from the hardwood, redshirt junior guard Kyndall Hunter headlined the Aggies’ dominating performance.
Sidelined with injury the past two seasons, the Texas transfer came off the bench and posted 18 points and a trio of steals, shooting a lethal 66 percent behind the arc.
”It was a very long journey, but it was super beneficial,” Hunter said. “Watching the game, you can learn a lot. Sitting out made me have a different hunger for the game.”
The Aggies found their initial spark as back-to-back-to-back possessions all finished with a splash from deep.
After a first-quarter flurry of 3-pointers, A&M was able to draw the defense off and work inside. Jada Malone benefitted early in the second quarter as the Aggie offense found a groove.
Unlike the Aggies’ first two games, consistency was seen from Taylor’s squad.
Through 20 minutes of play, the Maroon & White forced 13 turnovers and continued to flock to the ball, scoring 22 points off turnovers.
”We always pride ourselves on defense. It’s something we do hang our hat on,” Sahara Jones said.
In the second and third quarters, the Broncos were held to single-digit scoring and only made 13 of 60 shots taken.
With a 42-17 lead at the half, the Aggies continued to spread the wealth.
Despite a few lulls here and there, the Aggies showed a consistent offensive effort in all four quarters, scoring 20 points in every quarter.
”We were able to score in different ways, Taylor said. “We got to the free-throw line. We, obviously, have to make our free throws. We scored in transition. We got it inside. This is what we need to continue to work towards.”
Five Aggies notched double figures, including Sahara Jones, who posted yet another 16-point game and her first double-double this year.
“I feel like everyone had a lot of confidence, Jones said. “It came from shootaround. We knew this team would come in and shoot the ball really well, so we were all locked in.”
Their best outing thus far, Taylor’s Aggies look to take that positive momentum on the road, facing West Virginia (2-0) next Friday at 6 p.m. CT.