The No. 23 Texas A&M Aggies (4-1) survived a poor shooting first half in Reed Arena to beat the Southern Jaguars (1-4) 71-54, as the Aggies’ second-half explosion finished out their first home stand of the season.
It’s too early in the season to worry about trap games, but A&M had one of the most sluggish starts to a game I’ve seen in recent history. They shot a horrendous 22.9% from the field and 50% at the free-throw line. After the first 20 minutes rolled off the clock, the Aggies went into the locker room down 14 points to the unranked Jaguars.
Whatever head coach Buzz Williams told his team during halftime must have resonated because the Aggies came out with a burst of energy.
A&M took their first lead since early in the first half on a Jace Carter layup, putting them up 45-44. They went on a 28-5 run and expanded their lead to 53-44. Zhuric Phelps, Wade Taylor, and Andersson Garcia all finished in double figures, playing a much more efficient game in the second half.
A&M shook off a slow start to round themselves into shape and get back to Buzz Williams’ brand of basketball. Swarming defense and aggressive drives to the basket put the Maroon & White back in control of the game, allowing for some good work before they head out of town for the Players Era Festival.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.