COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Mark Sears delivered a standout performance with 27 points, while Aden Holloway contributed an additional 15, leading No. 5 Alabama to a 94-88 victory over No. 10 Texas A&M on Saturday night. This match marked the first instance where two top-10 teams faced off in College Station, making it a historic occasion for both programs.

The Crimson Tide (14-2, 3-0 in Southeastern Conference play) maintained their lead throughout the contest, securing their eighth straight win. This victory halted the Aggies’ nine-game winning streak, which was their longest since the 2015-16 season, when they achieved ten consecutive wins.

Leading the way for Texas A&M, guard Zhuric Phelps had 24 points, showcasing his offensive skills. However, the Aggies were without senior guard Wade Taylor IV for the second game in a row due to an undisclosed injury.

In a critical moment with 37 seconds left in the game, Alabama’s Clifford Omoruyi missed one of two free throws while leading 88-84. However, teammate Chris Youngblood quickly secured the rebound and converted both of his free throws, extending the lead to 90-84 for the Crimson Tide.

With this performance, Sears became one of only two players in Alabama history to achieve over 1,500 points, 300 assists, and 200 3-pointers in their career, joining Brian Williams from 1995 to 1999.

Observations from the game reveal that Alabama, having dominated their previous four matches with an average margin of 25 points, faced significant resistance from the Aggies, partly due to an energized crowd. Conversely, Texas A&M had the chance to build upon their impressive 80-78 comeback win against No. 17 Oklahoma on Wednesday but struggled at the foul line against Alabama, converting only 58 percent (28 of 48) of their free throws, while Alabama capitalized to shoot 27 of 40.

A pivotal point in the match occurred when Alabama led 56-51 with just under 15 minutes left. After Phelps missed a jump shot, Holloway hit a crucial three-pointer, extending Alabama’s lead to eight points.

In terms of statistics, despite entering the game with only one previous instance of being outrebounded, Texas A&M was outmatched on the boards by Alabama, who held a 54-46 rebounding advantage.

Looking ahead, Alabama will host No. 23 Mississippi, while Texas A&M will travel to face No. 6 Kentucky, both scheduled for Tuesday night.