COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Madison Booker showcased an impressive performance, scoring 17 points and securing a personal best of 13 rebounds as the fifth-ranked Texas Longhorns triumphed over Texas A&M with a score of 70-50 on Sunday, marking their sixth consecutive win.
The Longhorns, now at 22-2 with an 8-1 record in the Southeastern Conference, capitalized on a strong first-quarter effort that enabled them to establish an 11-point lead. By halftime, their advantage had surged to 17 points. In the third quarter, Texas executed a 7-2 run, with five points netted by Booker, prompting the Longhorns to extend their lead to 45-25 with approximately 7.5 minutes remaining.
For Texas A&M, both Jada Malone and Janae Kent contributed 12 points each, but the team noted its third consecutive defeat, its longest losing streak of the season. The Aggies’ total of 50 points tied for their second-lowest output this season, especially concerning following the recent loss of their top scorer, Aicha Coulibaly, to a season-ending knee injury.
Key Insights:
Texas displayed significant prowess against a struggling rival but must continue to develop ahead of their upcoming matchup against second-ranked South Carolina next Sunday. In their first encounter earlier this season, Texas faced defeat, falling 67-50 to the Gamecocks, which remains their last loss.
For Texas A&M, the team requires a renewed offensive effort from its players to compensate for the absence of Coulibaly if they aim to turn their fortunes around.
Turning Point:
A pivotal moment occurred when Texas led by just one point in the first quarter; they then ignited a 12-2 scoring run, extending their lead to 18-7 with about three minutes left in the period. The Aggies struggled during this phase, committing three turnovers which aided Texas in gaining momentum.
Critical Stat:
Texas capitalized on Texas A&M’s missteps, scoring 16 points off 11 turnovers, while the Aggies managed only four points from seven turnovers committed by the Longhorns.
Looking Ahead:
The Longhorns are set to host No. 22 Vanderbilt on Thursday night, followed by a significant clash against South Carolina next Sunday. Meanwhile, Texas A&M will travel to face Auburn on Thursday evening.
