FORT WORTH, Texas — In a competitive matchup, Wade Taylor IV led the charge for the 22nd-ranked Texas A&M Aggies with 19 points, while Zhuric Phelps contributed a pivotal three-pointer during an 11-0 offensive surge that helped secure a 72-67 victory over Texas Tech on Sunday. This marked the first encounter between these long-time conference foes since 2012.
Phelps’ critical three-pointer, occurring with just over seven minutes remaining, shifted the score to 54-52 and established a lead for the Aggies (8-2) that they would not relinquish. His impressive step-back jumper—which followed a strong exchange with Texas Tech’s Kevin Overton—sealed a significant momentum swing for Texas A&M.
Additionally, Jace Carter played a vital role by scoring 13 of his 16 points in the first half as Texas A&M extended its winning streak to four games. Chance McMillian was a standout for Texas Tech (7-2), netting 23 points, including five three-pointers. Overton added 14 points to his tally, with a noteworthy contribution of four three-pointers before the halftime break.
A notable absence for Texas Tech was leading scorer and rebounder JT Toppin, who was sidelined due to a lower-body injury. The 6-foot-9 forward typically averages 18.6 points and 11 rebounds per game.
In the closing moments, Texas A&M exhibited proficient free-throw shooting, converting all eight attempts in the last 27 seconds of the game, with Taylor making four of those crucial shots. Meanwhile, Tech tried to fight back with three final three-pointers in a last-minute effort.
One of the key moments came when Texas A&M rallied to a 23-12 lead in the first half, highlighted by a three-pointer from Carter. This trigger ignited a rapid sequence of exchanges where both Carter and Overton landed two three-pointers each, with Overton’s second shot setting off a 9-0 run to bring the Red Raiders within 26-24.
Historically, the Aggies and Red Raiders faced off at least twice each season from 1958 to 2012 during their time together in the former Southwest Conference and the original Big 12. Following Texas A&M’s transition to the SEC, this encounter marked their first non-conference clash since 1953, held at the neutral site of Dickies Arena.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M is set to confront No. 8 Purdue in Indianapolis next Sunday, while Texas Tech will host Oral Roberts on December 16.
