Aggies exit WBIT with first-round loss to McNeese

Game #27: McNeese 68, #1 Texas A&M 48
Records: Texas A&M (14-13, 7-9), McNeese (29-5, 21-1)
Box Score

The Aggies' postseason march came to a halt Thursday night.

No. 1 seed Texas A&M (15-13) saw its season come to an end Thursday night in a 68-48 loss to McNeese State in the opening round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.

Joni Taylor’s Aggies came into the WBIT with hopes of making a run after barely missing the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, in the final game of the season, there aren’t many positive takeaways.

A&M entered March as one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a five-game winning streak to close SEC play that included multiple road victories over ranked opponents.

“Pulling off five straight the way we did,” Ny’Ceara Pryor said. “I am so proud of this team.”

Momentum stalled in the SEC Tournament following an injury to Fatmata Janneh, as the Aggies lost an opening-round game to Auburn. Missing the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season, A&M ultimately accepted a WBIT bid.

It was short-lived.

Belle Chapa, TexAgs

With 16 points vs. McNeese, Ny’Ceara Pryor finishes 2025-26 with a 16.3 scoring average.

Offensively, the Aggies struggled throughout the night. A&M shot under 30 percent from the field, including 2-of-19 from 3-point range, and committed twice as many turnovers as McNeese. The Aggies never held a lead and managed baskets on consecutive possessions just three times.

“We came out flat, and we could never get to where we needed to be," Taylor said.

McNeese entered the WBIT as the Southland Conference regular-season champion. Despite falling in their conference tournament, the Cowgirls completed a remarkable turnaround under first-year head coach Ayla Guzzardo, improving from 10 wins last season to 28 this year.

“They had a good game plan,” Pryor said. “They are a good team. Credit to them.”

Allasia Washington led the visitors in scoring with 20, and Ariana Patton scored 11 posted a game-best plus-21 plus-minus.

“Washington was like Freshman of the Year in their conference,” Taylor said. “She is crazy athletic. Patton has great balance and penetration.”

Belle Chapa, TexAgs

Texas A&M finishes 2025-26 with a 14-13 record.

The 2025-26 season didn’t end the way the Aggies wanted. There were some lows, but also some very big highs and stretches that brought the team closer. The most difficult thing to swallow is that some crucial seniors will be graduating in May. The team will send off four: Pryor, Lauren Ware, Lemyah Hylton and Jordan Webster.

“This team has meant everything to me from the jump,” Pryor said. “I am so grateful to have this team, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

With 12 new players on the roster this season, A&M endured expected growing pains, including an eight-game losing streak during SEC play.

However, the late-season surge offered a glimpse of the program’s potential moving forward. For the first time under Taylor, the Aggies will return a core group, providing much-needed continuity.

“I am excited about who we have returning,” Taylor said. “I am excited to get back to work. … I am looking forward to the future of Texas A&M Women’s Basketball.”