Texas A&M (3-1) played some of its best defensive game of the season in Friday’s ranked home matchup vs. Ohio State on Friday night, as the Aggies hosted and defeated the 2-0 Buckeyes 78-64, who recently defeated the Texas Longhorns.
Still establishing their offensive identity, especially with senior guard Zhuric Phelps now in the lineup, head coach Buzz Williams knew that the Aggies would be to play air-tight perimeter defense against one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the county as the Buckeyes entered the game shooting nearly 50% from beyond the arc.
Williams utilized the deepest roster he had ever had at his disposal throughout the night as the Aggies held Ohio State to 34% shooting (20-59) and 26% from three. A&M’s shooting night wasn’t any better, finishing 39% from the field and 38% from three.
However, the Aggies won this game at the free throw line, shooting 80% from the stripe, while the senior guard Manny Obaseki (15 points), Wade Taylor (15 points), and Zhuric Phelps (14 points) made several tough shots to keep the big lead intact in the second half.
Texas A&M’s guard play looks the part, with Taylor, Phelps, and Obaseki showing physicality in the paint and making their open shots. Still, center Pharrel Payne’s play next to Andersson Garcia (5 points) and Henry Coleman (12 points) has taken the Aggies’ defense to the next level, as the junior’s two blocks mirrored former Aggie forward Robert Williams, especially from an athleticism standpoint.
This is with “Buzz Ball” to the fullest extent, as the Aggies have shown to be the better team in rock fight-style defensive battles during his tenure.
At the same time, A&M’s shooting and offensive game plans need to improve, but this was a huge win that won’t be forgotten in early March.
Note: Texas A&M’s 3-point shooting plan will continue to involve former Nebraska guard CJ Wilcher (, who made two of his three outside attempts, displaying a solid stroke and the ability to create space.
Texas A&M will host Southern (0-3) on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m. CT. The game will be available to stream on SEC Network+ or ESPN+
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