Tag: jace carter

‘..we’ve got to figure out how to be more consistent.. ‘ Buzz Williams speaks ahead of Texas A&M vs. HCU

Here’s what Texas A&M Head Coach Buzz Williams had to say during the HCU matchup preview.

The Aggie Basketball team will return home, hosting a struggling HCU team on Friday.

Most of the press conference touched upon the team’s state after the past few games and where they need to be when conference play starts in January. When they finally got to Friday’s opponent, head coach Buzz Williams made sure to point out how good HCU is at their Rim shot selection.

 “They are third in the United States in Rim shot selection
which I think we’ve played a lot of good teams.. I think as of today we’ve played as many quad One games as anybody in the
country and we’ve seen a lot of unique styles. A few of them have been really good at the rim. None of them have been ranked as high as Houston Christian at the rim.”

The Aggies will have an easier game on paper, but Coach Buzz knows they have to get better across the board. Below, you can watch the full weekly presser Q&A with Coach Buzz Williams

Texas A&M will be back in action at Reed Arena on December 22 at 7 pm CT to face the HCU Huskies.

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.

Best Photos: Texas A&M vs Houston Cougars

Photos: Here are some of the best photos from Saturday’s game against the Houston Cougars

Texas A&M (7-3) put up a strong second-half fight to get back in the game late against the Houston Cougars (11-0) on Saturday afternoon but ultimately lost 70-66 at the Toyota Center.

Coach Buzz acknowledged that the change in defense at the end might have tipped their hand a little bit, but he will always believe in his team.

“We played a lot bigger today in hopes we could participate in the physicality of the game and have a chance on the glass. Because of that, we really can’t disguise who is going to shoot the ball for us. Some of our late-game execution was pretty good, to be honest.”

With their fourth loss early in the season, the Aggies still look like a competitive team, battling perhaps the best team in college basketball down to the final possession.

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena next Friday to host HCU at 7:00 PM CST.

Below, you can check out some of the best Saturday game photos.

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Despite falling to No. 4 Houston, Texas A&M Basketball is still in good shape heading into SEC play

Texas A&M’s nail-biting 70-66 loss to No. 4 Houston showed an Aggie that is just on the cusp of hitting their stride behind Wade Taylor IV.

In what was likely Texas A&M Basketball’s (7-4) fifth Quad 1 matchup of the 2023-2024 season, the Aggies fell to the No. 4 Houston Cougars (11-0) 70-66 in one of the more exciting second-half finishes on the year thus far.

Facing a Cougars squad that came into the game with an undefeated record, ranked No. 2 in the NET and No. 1 in the KenPom rankings, the Aggies’ lackluster start due to an elite defensive effort on Houston’s end was just a small part of A&M’s story, as star junior guard Wade Taylor IV (34 points) completely lived up to his Preseason SEC Player of the Year billing.

Trailing by 15 at the half, Taylor’s 26-point second-half explosion, including six three-pointers, brought the Aggies within in single digits in the final minutes, while his fifth make from beyond the arc tied the game at 63 with just 1:24 left. After re-taking the lead, Taylor’s sixth three-pointer brought the Aggies within two.

Still, after a stop, a foul that sent senior forward Henry Coleman III to the free throw line resulted in two misses, ending the A&M’s furious and impressive comeback attempt.

On paper, a loss is a loss. Still, when factoring in the injury/absence-related issues regarding senior guard Tyrece Radford, who missed Saturday’s matchup, and senior forward Julius Marble, who continues to deal with a cryptic “University process,” the effort shown against perhaps the best team in college basketball is certainly encouraging, especially if Wade Taylor IV continues to show signs of absolute greatness ahead of SEC play.

“I’m just playing the game within myself.”

“I’m just trying to be the best I can be for my team.”

All four losses the Aggies have sustained are honestly respectable, starting with No. 15 Florida Atlantic, No.22 Virginia on the road, an 8-2 Memphis team that just defeated No. 13 Clemson, and, of course, the Houston Cougars.

For those who remember where the Aggies stood at this time last season, coming off of an embarrassing loss to Wofford to drop to 6-5, their current 7-4 record presents a much different narrative compared to the doom and gloom that took the Aggies into the Christmas break.

Already earning impressive Quad 1 wins over Ohio State (9-2) and Iowa State (8-2), no one, especially the NCAA Tournament Committee, can criticize head coach Buzz Williams for avoiding early season challenges, and even though the team has plenty to improve on, credit to Williams for looking at the bigger picture ahead of SEC play.

“All of it is good. Coach (Sampson) is a hall of fame coach. They’re No. 1 in KenPom. They’re No. 2 in NET. It was in an NBA arena.”

“I thought all of it was great.”

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena on Friday, Dec. 22, to host Houston Christian (1-7) at 7:00 PM CST. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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 Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

‘They’re No. 1 in the country in forcing turnovers. That’s what they do.’ Everything Buzz Williams, Taylor, and Coleman had to say after losing to Houston

Here’s what Texas A&M Head Coach Buzz Williams, Wade Taylor IV, and Henry Coleman III in the post game presser

Texas A&M undermanned again and had a rough first half before storming back in the second half. While Wade Taylor IV was really the only offense during the final 20 minutes, his energy and a slight change in defense put the Aggies in a position to win in the final seconds of the game.

Taylor and Henry Coleman III both touched on the comeback and a few keys that led to them taking the No. 4 team in the country down to the wire.

“It’s what A&M is about… Everybody has something to prove, so we’re not going to back up. I’m proud of the guys… It was a great game but not the outcome that we wanted.” – Coleman

“What we do in practice every day and playing against each other gives us confidence to do what we did today.  In the first half, we were fine. We just got out of sorts. We had eight turnovers… My mindset in the second half was to limit the turnovers.” – Taylor

Coach Buzz acknowledged that the change in defense at the end might have tipped their hand a little bit, but he will always believe in his team.

“We played a lot bigger today in hopes we could participate in the physicality of the game and have a chance on the glass. Because of that, we really can’t disguise who is going to shoot the ball for us. Some of our late-game execution was pretty good, to be honest.”

Below, you can watch the full Post-game presser with Coach Buzz Williams, Wade Taylor IV, and Henry Coleman.

NOTE: Tyrece Radford missed the game due to a breathing issue, per Coach Buzz Williams

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena next Friday to host HCU at 7:00 PM CST.

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.

Post Game Recap: Texas A&M battled to the end, but fell short, falling 70-66 to No. 4 Houston

The Aggie drop their second straight game in a 70-66 loss the Houston Cougars

Texas A&M (7-3) pulled within a few points of taking the lead late off the back of Wade Taylor against the Houston Cougars (11-0) on Saturday afternoon but ultimately lost 70-66 at the Toyota Center.

Just as we figured, the first half was physical play and contested shots. The refs had a tight whistle but let the teams be themselves as aggressive squads.  After a strong Aggie start, the Cougars went on a 24-9 run to run out to a 24-16 lead with about 6 minutes left in the half.

Wade Taylor IV would try to will A&M back into the game and stop the bleeding with a few buckets to pull within eight. Coach Sampson’s Cougars turned up the heat on the Aggies causing multiple turnovers and knocking down threes of the hands of LJ Cryer. Houston went on a 10-2 run to close out the half up 38-23.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Houston opened the second half with a three after three after three, but the battle ensued as Pre-Season SEC player of the year Wade Taylor IV made eight straight points for A&M to cut the lead to 53-44. Texas A&M kept pressing and another Taylor three-pointer pulled the Aggies within six points with a score of 57-51.

At one point, a game that looked out of hand came down to the wire as the A&M fought hard to the bitter end. Without senior guard Tyrece Radford in the lineup, points were hard to come by, and Taylor almost single-handedly beat the Cougars by himself. No other Aggie had more than seven points, while Taylor poured 26 second-half points and knocked down six three-pointers.

Down two with a chance to tie or go up, the Aggies inbounded the ball to Taylor, who missed the three for the lead, but Henry Coleman was fouled on the attempted outback. Unfortunately, he missed both attempts from the stripe, and Houston grabbed the rebound, followed by a Jace Carter foul, putting them on the line with just seconds left. Houston’s Emanuel Sharp would make both free throws for the game’s final points for the final score of 70-66.

Enduring a fourth loss in the young season, the Aggies still look like an NCAA Tournament team, battling perhaps the best team in college football down to the final possession.

Below are the Aggie critical contributors from the game:

Wade Taylor IV: 34 points / 4 assists

Henry Coleman III: 6 points / 12 rebounds

NOTE: Tyrece missed the game due to a breathing issue, per Coach Buzz Williams

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena next Friday to host HCU at 7:00 PM CST.

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.

Texas A&M will travel to the Houston for a Lone Star State showdown against the No. 4 Cougars

Texas A&M will travel to the Houston to face the No. 4 Cougars on Saturday afternoon

Texas A&M will lace’em up at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, to take on the undefeated Houston Cougars at 1:30 PM CST.

After a devastating loss to the Memphis Tigers that not only knocked them out of the top 25 but snapped their 14-game home winning streak, the Aggies will have a chance for some redemption. It will not be easy, considering they will be on the road again, one of the best teams in the nation. Being one of the top rebounding teams in the nation, they must take advantage of every second shot and use Houston’s aggressiveness against them to get to the foul time.

Houston, on the other hand, is rolling, and Coach Kevin Sampson will not hold back as his team is tough and has one of the best perimeter shooters in the Big 12 in LJ Cryer. They are currently on a 10-game winning streak and look to end their three-game skid vs the Aggies, with their last win coming in 2003.

Being long-time SWC rivals, these two teams have a rich history, with the Cougars owning the overall series record 51-31, but A&M has won the last three matchups. They last met in 2013 when they beat Houston 74-57, led by Jamal Jones, 21 points and 7 rebounds.

 

 

PLAYERS to watch:

Wade Taylor IV – 17.1 PTS / 4.9 AST / 2.2 STL

Henry Coleman – 13.3 PTS / 8.8 TOT

Tyrece Radford – 12.3 PTS / 2 AST / 4 TOT

How to watch:

TV: ESPN 2

Play-by-play: Jon Sciambi

Analyst: Jimmy Dykes

How to Listen:

TAMU Sports Network: WTAW 1620AM, WTAW 94.5FM (local)

Web: 12thman.com

App: 12th Man Mobile App

Play-by-Play: Andrew Monaco / Dr. John Thornton

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.

‘The presence of the blessing does not mean the absence of the work’ Buzz Williams speaks ahead of Texas A&M vs. Memphis

Here’s what Texas A&M Head Coach Buzz Williams had to say during the weekly presser

The Aggie Basketball team will have its second home game in a row, and they are hosting a very impressive Memphis team on Sunday.

Coach Buzz Williams sat down to preview the matchup and spoke glowingly of the Tigers. They are coached by a talented head coach in Penny Hardaway and have an experienced team with four 1,000-point scorers.

“…Ultra talented and their team is one of the best teams in regard to talent that has been at Reed Arena in a long time. they have four 1,000 Point scorers on their team they’re unbelievable…. I mean they beat Missouri at Missouri by 15 in the first week of
the season….”

The Aggies will have their work cut out for them, but Coach Buzz will have them ready. Below, you can watch the full weekly presser Q&A with Coach Buzz Williams

Texas A&M will be back in action at Reed Arena on December 10 at 3 pm CT to face the Memphis Tigers.

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.

Texas A&M rises in newest NET rankings after defeating DePaul

After demolishing DePaul 89-64, Texas A&M (7-2) has steadily risen in the all-important NET rankings.

Dealing with plenty of adversity in just nine games, Texas A&M (7-2) had one of its best shooting performances this season in the 89-64 win over DePaul, led by six double-digit scoring efforts, including transfer guard Jace Carter’s 14-point outing.

Shooting 50% from deep, the Aggies hit 14 3-pointers, just two shy of tying their single-game record. While the stars did their job, including Wade Taylor (13 points) and Henry Coleman (13 points, nine rebounds), the reserves showed up in a big way, as guards Manny Obaseki and Bryce Lindsay combined for 20 points off the bench.

After the win, the Aggies steadily rose in the newest NET rankings from 15th to 13th and are the highest-ranked SEC team behind Tennessee at No. 12. Already earned two Quad 1 victories against Ohio State and Iowa State, and are undefeated against Quad 2, Quad 3, and Quad 4 opponents.

The continued absence of senior guard Tyrece Radford and forward Julius Marble (University process) hinders the team from reaching its full potential. While head coach Buzz Williams refuses to provide any injury updates for the rest of the season, their collective status remains week to week and game to game-.

Texas A&M will host the Memphis Tigers (6-2) in Reed Arena on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2.

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 Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

After demolishing DePaul, the Aggies look rejuvenated ahead of several tough matchups

After defeating DePaul 89-64, Texas A&M looking elite from the field, and while the schedule gets tougher, the Aggies look very confident.

Texas A&M Basketball (7-2) took out some frustrations against DePaul (1-7) on Wednesday night, defeating the Demon Deacons 89-64 after scoring 62 in the first half behind a blistering 14-31 (45%) from beyond the arc, just two 3-point makes shy of tying the program record in a single game. How did the Aggies achieve such a feat? Ask head coach Buzz Williams, who credited A&M’s conditioning staff for aiding the team’s rest and rejuvenation.

“Guys are spent physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our staff has been good and a credit to the strength of our players. I’m encouraged by what’s transpired since we got back from Virginia.”

For those who have followed the Aggies through the first eight games, it’s been a constant struggle from deep, averaging a measly 30% from three before erupting from the perimeter. Yes, Virginia is one of the best perimeter defenses in the country and suffocates most of the competition it faces. Still, with senior guard Tyrece Radford’s prolonged absence from the lineup, this team had to adjust and make their open shots.

Leading the way with 14 points, Ilinois Chicago transfer guard Jace Carter finally broke out from deep, tying star guard Wade Taylor IV (13 points) with four three-pointers. In comparison, senior forward Henry Coleman III almost recorded his second consecutive double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds.

“I think he (Jace Carter) was shooting 17% heading into tonight. I believe in Jace. I absolutely adore what he’s about on and off the floor. He’s incredibly consistent as a worker.”

Even more critical, while the starters did their job, the bench made its mark, as every player who entered the game scored at least two points, including dependable junior guard Manny Obaseki’s 10-point outing, coupled with freshman guard Bryce Lindsay’s 10 points in the first double-digit outing of his young career. Williams knows the Tide may be turning concerning a defensive statistic that has plagued the Aggies in both losses.

“I think we were averaging 8 made threes coming into tonight’s game and giving up 9. We’re gonna force more threes than most. I’m glad there was some confidence that comes from tonight’s shooting.”

A stat that doesn’t grab a ton of attention, offensive rebounds, has defined the Aggies this season, with forward Andersson Garcia notching 31 of A&M’s nation-leading 159 offensive boards, consistently providing the offense second chance opportunities to reset and find their rhythm.

“Entering tonight we were 9th in the country in turnover rate and 1st in the country in offensive rebound percentage.”

Again, DePaul is not a good team with plenty of defensive issues, but with Memphis and Houston left on the non-conference schedule, the Aggies need to continue shooting at an above-average rate while getting production from the bench.

As long as Tyrece Radford and senior forward Julius Marble, who’s still dealing with an off-the-court issue, are away from the team, reaching their full potential will have to stay on hold, but this team is plenty capable of competing with anyone on the court as long as the shots are falling.

Texas A&M will host the Memphis Tigers (6-2) in Reed Arena on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2.

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 Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

‘ I’m encouraged by what’s transpired since we got back from Virginia.’ Everything Buzz Williams had to say after the home victory over DePaul

Here’s what Texas A&M Head Coach Buzz Williams had to say after the Aggies’ home victory over DePaul

After a long road stint, the Aggies returned home to face the DePaul Tigers and had themselves a night. They shot lights out for the majority of the game and over 60% in the 1st half alone.

Coach Buzz Williams made it a point to schedule a challenging non-conference, and they took a few lumps early, but it will all pay off when league play starts. Multiple back-to-back road games seemed to take their toll on the shorthanded Aggie team against Virginia, where they appeared a little sluggish.

That did not go unnoticed as Buzz talked about how they spent just as much time on the road as they did playing and how being back at home with some time off was needed.

“I think we were gone 11 days in the month total. We were almost gone as much as we were at home. Our guys were never in a groove here in our gym.”

“Guys are spent physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our staff has been good and a credit to the strength of our players. I’m encouraged by what’s transpired since we got back from Virginia.”

Below, you can watch the full Post game Q&A with Coach Buzz Williams

Texas A&M will be back in action at Reed Arena on December 10 at 3 pm CT to face the Memphis Tigers.

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.