Tag: Wade Taylor IV

Instant reaction to No. 13 Texas A&M’s 75-68 win over Oklahoma on Tuesday night

Texas A&M’s elite rebounding and free throw shooting led to Tuesday night’s big win over Oklahoma

No. 13 Texas A&M (16-5, 5-3 SEC) returned to Reed Arena after a two-game road trip last week, facing an Oklahoma team (15-5, 2-4 SEC) that entered on a two-game winning streak, looking to seek some revenge of the Aggies defeated the Sooners 80-78 earlier this month.

Entering the game, it was revealed that starting forward Solomon Washington would miss the matchup due to an ankle injury suffered in Saturday’s loss to Texas. Coach Buzz Williams opted to start forward Pharrel Payne in his place.

While depth was an issue, Payne’s size and efficiency in the paint led to the Aggies finding him down low early and often to establish what many Aggie fans call “Buzz ball” due to A&M’s tough defense and rebounding amid poor shooting performances.

Well, it was that kind of night, as the Aggies finished 37.5% from the field and 16% from 3-point range, but thanks to a collective effort from the guard trio of Wade Taylor IV (12 points), Manny Obaseki (10 points) and Zhuric Phelps (15 points), Texas A&M’s offense relied on getting fouled and heading to the free throw line.

While the team currently sits in last place in the SEC with a 67% average from the stripe, Texas A&M finished an impressive 29-35 free throw line, which ultimately won the game amid Oklahoma’s ten three-pointers, led by Bryce Goodine’s game-high 24 points, after scoring a career-high 34 points and nine 3-pointers against the Aggies in their first meeting.

Texas A&M out-rebounded Oklahoma 47-19, including 21 offensive rebounds in one of the more one-sided rebounding performances in SEC play.

With the win, Texas A&M has moved to fifth place in the SEC standings.

GAME NOTES:

  • Forward Pharrel Payne finished with a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds)
  • Texas A&M outrebounded Oklahoma 47-19
  • Wade Taylor IV amassed 200 steals in his Texas A&M career
  • 37.5% FG / 16.7% 3PT / 82.9% FT

Texas A&M will face South Carolina on the road on Feb. 4th at 7:30 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on the SEC Network.

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Is No. 13 Texas A&M a lock to make the NCAA Tournament?

According to ESPN’s Joe Lunari, Texas A&M is nearly a lock to make the 2025 NCAA Tournament

No. 13 Texas A&M (15-5, 4-3 SEC) will host Oklahoma (15-4, 2-3 SEC) on Tuesday night as the Aggies look to rebound after losing to rival Texas in one of the biggest comebacks of the season after leading the Longhorns by 22-points in the second half.

Despite the loss, Texas A&M has one of the best resumes in college basketball, aided by an impressive nonconference performance with wins over Purdue, Ohio State, and Texas Tech, while four wins in SEC play have built a notable six Quad 1 record and a 10-5 Quad 1 & 2 combined standing.

Still, with eleven games remaining in the regular season, coach Buzz Williams is confident in his veteran team, led by star point guard Wade Taylor IV, to find offensive consistency for the rest of the year while the Aggies’ elite defense continues to keep opponents below their average shooting percentage.

On Tuesday, ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi provided his latest update regarding the teams that are “locks” for the NCAA Tournament while listing the programs that have at least an 80% chance of landing an at-large bid.

While the Aggies look like a team poised to earn a top-five seed in the tourney, Lunardi lists them in the 80% category after losing to Texas. However, I can safely say that at least two more Quad 1 wins would seal the deal and take some pressure off before the SEC Tournament begins.

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena to host Oklahoma on Jan. 28 at 8:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on the SEC Network.

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ESPN FPI predicts No. 13 Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma on Tuesday night

Here is how ESPN FPI is predicting Texas A&M’ Tuesday night home matchup vs. Oklahoma

After falling to rival Texas in the final seconds of Saturday’s road matchup, Texas A&M (15-5, 4-3 SEC) kept its No. 13 ranking in the latest AP Top 25 update. The Aggies are in a great position heading into week 13, set to host Oklahoma on Tuesday night.

Tied with five teams in the SEC standings at 4-3, coach Buzz Williams took full blame for A&M’s 70-69 loss to the Longhorns, knowing that after building a 22-point lead in the second half, allowing the home team to storm back, including freshman guard Tre Johnson’s career-high 30 points, fell at his feet.

Sustaining significant leads has been an issue for the Aggies this season. While they were able to hang on in all but two games during nonconference play, Saturday’s loss is a lesson for a team that needs to keep its foot on the gas when large leads are built.

Oklahoma finished 2-0 last week, defeating South Carolina and Arkansas, the worst teams in the conference. Still, the Aggies know that the Sooners are a skilled team with plenty of talent looking to earn an SEC road win after Texas A&M defeated Oklahoma 80-78 behind senior guard Zhuric Phelps‘ heroic performance.

Before the game, here is how ESPN FPI is predicting the matchup:

ESPN FPI:

Texas A&M: 79.4% chance to win

Oklahoma: 20.6% chance to win

Texas A&M is a significant improvement home favorite, only losing one home game all season after falling to Alabama earlier this month. However, replicating their first-half performance against Texas is key, even though that is highly unlikely given the Aggies’ lack of offensive consistency.

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena to host Oklahoma on Jan. 28 at 8:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on the SEC Network.

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See where Texas A&M Basketball ranks in the AP Top 25 Poll after going 1-1 in Week 12

The Texas A&M basketball team stays up in the AP Top 25 Poll after going 1-1 in Week 12

After going 1-1 for the second consecutive week, Texas A&M (15-5, 4-3 SEC) is 2.5 games behind in the SEC, sitting in fifth place.

Week 12 was a stressful week for fans and the Aggie basketball team. Both games played were decided by one point and the winning team took their first lead of the game in the final seconds.

A&M went on the road against Ole Miss and in what felt like a football game they clawed their way back in the second half winning the game on a Manny Obaseki three-point shot. Unfortunately, against Texas they let a 22-point lead slip away with the Longhorns hitting a clutch layup to win the second match-up of the Lone Star Showdown.

Movement in the pool was minimal in the top 10 but Purdue captured the No. 10 spot while Kentucky fell to No.12. One of the biggest jumps came from St. Johns who went up five spots to No. 14. The Aggies didn’t look that impressive in the two games they played, but stayed at No. 13.

Below is the most recent AP Top 25 Poll after Week 12:

Rank School Record Points
1 Auburn 18-1 1,550 (62)
2 Duke 17-2 1,484
3 Iowa State 17-2 1,404
4 Alabama 17-3 1,342
5 Florida 18-2 1,278
6 Houston 16-3 1,242
7 Michigan State 17-2 1,170
8 Tennessee 17-3 1,149
9 Marquette 17-3 1,068
10 Purdue 16-5 892
11 Kansas 14-5 877
12 Kentucky 14-5 858
13 Texas A&M 15-5 775
14 Mississippi State 16-4 715
15 St. John’s 17-3 588
16 Oregon 16-4 448
17 Wisconsin 16-4 440
18 Illinois 14-6 384
19 Memphis 16-4 383
20 Missouri 16-4 352
21 Louisville 15-5 346
22 Texas Tech 15-4 308
23 Ole Miss 15-5 215
24 Vanderbilt 16-4 132
25 UConn 14-6 131
Others receiving votes:

Michigan 129, Maryland 116, Utah St. 99, Clemson 92, Arizona 47, Saint Mary’s 45, Gonzaga 34, Texas 22, Creighton 12, Baylor 8, New Mexico 4, VCU 4, West Virginia 3, Oklahoma 2, Bradley 1, UCLA 1.

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena to host Oklahoma on Jan. 28 at 8:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on the SEC Network.

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Despite losing to Texas, Texas A&M has risen in the latest NET rankings

Texas A&M has risen one spot in the NET rankings after falling to rival Texas on Saturday afternoon

No. 13 Texas A&M (15-5, 4-3 SEC) held a 22-point lead over rival Texas inside a packed Moody Center, but thanks to Longhorns freshman guard Tre Johnson, who scored a career-high 30 points, including 22 in the second half.

While the Aggies were on the wrong side of history after allowing Texas to mount the largest comeback on the season, basketball is a game of momentum.

Texas A&M’s inability to maintain offensive consistency following a dynamic first half hindered their chances of sweeping their rival. Although star guard Wade Taylor IV’s return has been beneficial, the senior’s choices during the Aggies’ last possession raised eyebrows, to say the least.

Still, this game meant much more for Texas in terms of the NCAA Tournament, while the loss barely moved the needle for the Aggies, who rose one spot in the all-important NET rankings on Sunday morning.

Texas A&M’s 6-5 Quad 1 record and 10-5 Quad 1 & 2 combined record is ranked third nationally, at No. 12 for the first time in the program ahead of hosting Oklahoma on Tuesday night.

Within the loaded SEC, Texas A&M is the fifth-ranked conference team in the NET, below Auburn (No. 1). Tennessee (No. 4), Florida (No. 5), and Alabama (No. 7).

Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena to host Oklahoma on Jan. 28 at 8:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on the SEC Network.

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Aggies coach Buzz Williams believes the Moody Center is ‘arguably the best in the country’

“I have not been to the new arena. But just from watching their games, it looks like it is arguably the best in the country,” Williams said.

While the Texas A&M men’s basketball team may have beaten its bitter rivals by 20 points in the SEC opener, Aggies head coach Buzz Williams is well aware that Texas is a formidable foe this afternoon.

“They did a really good job of beating us in the things that we are deficient at. We will have to shore up a lot of that in order to have a chance there,” Williams explained Friday. “I have not been to that new arena. But just from watching their games, it looks like it is arguably the best in the country. Their roster is ultra-talented. They are playing with more efficiency over the last five games.”

After Texas A&M blew out the Longhorns three weeks ago, senior point guard Wade Taylor IV missed three games, before making his triumphant return last weekend against LSU.

“I do not think it was rust,” Williams said. “He is the top of the scouting report, whether he misses 10 days or not. That also influences everybody else. He has done a tremendous job of playing to that, and I anticipate that will continue.”

No. 13 Texas A&M (15-4, 4-2 SEC) plays Texas (13-6, 2-4) at the Moody Center today at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

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Here is the latest SEC availability report ahead of No. 13 Texas A&M vs. Texas

Here is the latest SEC Availability report for Texas A&M and Texas ahead of Saturday’s matchup

No. 13 Texas A&M (15-4, 4-2 SEC) will travel to Austin (TX) on Saturday afternoon to face the Texas Longhorns (13-6, 2-4 SEC). The Aggies are looking to sweep their rival for the first time in more than a decade.

While both teams are coming off close victories, Texas A&M’s emotional 63-62 stunner against No. 16 Ole Miss on the road was highly impressive, as the mainstream college basketball media took notice due to the Aggies’ grit and determination amid poor offense, as star guard Wade Taylor IV produced just four points off a 2-12 shooting night.

Trailing 62-60 with 19 seconds left, senior guard Zhuric Phelps found fellow senior Manny Obaseki for a clutch 3-pointer and combined with a defensive stop; the Aggies escaped Oxford with their sixth Quad 1 victory.

Texas defended home court on Tuesday night to give credit where credit is due, defeating No. 22 Missouri 61-53. The Longhorn defense held the Tigers to just 18.2% from beyond the arc, while Texas guard Tre Johnson and forward Arthur Kaluma combined for 26 points and 16 rebounds.

However, according to the latest SEC availability report, Texas A&M is entirely healthy going into the matchup, while Texas will be without Chendall Weaver, and Arthur Kaluma is listed as probable.

Texas A&M will stay on the road when they travel to Austin to face Texas on Jan. 25 at 1:30 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on ESPN2.

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ESPN FPI predicts No. 13 Texas A&M’s road test vs. Texas on Saturday

Here is how ESPN’ FPI predictor sees Texas A&M vs. Texas playing out on Saturday afternoon

Texas A&M (15-4, 4-2 SEC) entered the week as the 13th-ranked team in the country, and with the return of star guard Wade Taylor IV, the Aggies were in good spirits before taking on No. 16 Ole Miss on the road during Wednesday night’s SEC showdown.

Throughout conference play, Texas A&M’s defense has stopped chiefly opposing offenses from reaching their scoring averages, which continued against the Rebels before one of the craziest endings to place in favor of the road team.

The Aggies remained competitive in a game with only 13 free throw attempts by making 7 of 9 from the line. Ole Miss guard Davon Barnes missed a free throw with just 19 seconds left, providing the Aggies an opportunity to tie or take the lead.

Senior guard Zhuric Phelps then assisted Manny Obaseki on a crucial 3-pointer, and a strong defensive play secured Texas A&M’s unexpected 63-62 win. With the victory, the Aggies hold a combined 10-4 Quad 1 & 2 record, tied for third nationally.

Next, the Aggies will travel to face rival Texas on Saturday afternoon, looking to sweep the Longhorns and reach an impressive 5-2 start to SEC play. Before the game, here is how ESPN FPI is predicting the matchup:

ESPN FPI:

Texas A&M: 43.1% chance to win

Texas: 56.9% chance to win

Texas A&M defeated the Longhorns 80-60 in Reed Arena to open SEC play. Still, after defeating Missouri earlier this week, Texas is improving defensively and is desperate to build a winning streak to help their NCAA Tournament resume.

Texas A&M will stay on the road when they travel to Austin to face Texas on Jan. 25 at 1:30 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on ESPN2.

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SF Andersson Garcia discusses PG Wade Taylor’s impact on Texas A&M men’s basketball team

“Being around him, no matter if he is playing, we’re always trying to help each other. It feels different every time he steps on the court.”

The Texas A&M men’s basketball team has strong upperclassmen leadership on its roster, beginning with point guard Wade Taylor IV and small forward Andersson Garcia.

While they may both be seniors, the latter is well aware of the large impact that the former has brought to Reed Arena on a daily basis for years. In light of Taylor‘s recent return from injury, Garcia expressed his gratitude on Tuesday.

“It helps a lot though, to be honest. Even myself, Wade, I know his game so well,” Garcia explained. “He helps me a lot to be in my position to help the team. I know everybody is comfortable. Being around him, no matter if he is playing or not, we’re always trying to help each other.

“It feels different every time he steps on the court, even me playing with him.”

The No. 13 Aggies (14-4, 3-2) play No. 16 Ole Miss (15-3, 4-1) tonight at 8 p.m. on ESPN2 at The Pavilion in Oxford.

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Here the latest SEC Availability report ahead of No. 13 Texas A&M vs. No. 16 Ole Miss

Texas A&M’s latest SEC Availablity report is good news for the Aggies before taking on Ole Miss

No. 13 Texas A&M (14-4, 3-2 SEC) is back on the road in conference play this week, as the Aggies will take on No. 16 Ole Miss in another Quad 1 opportunity, while the return of star guard Wade Taylor IV gives A&M a fighting chance to steal one.

Last Saturday night, Texas A&M defeated LSU 68-57 behind an impressive second-half performance during Wade Taylor’s first game back in the lineup after missing three consecutive matchups, which led to a 1-2 record. Still, despite only scoring 68 points, Taylor’s leadership and facilitating led to a late 10-0 Aggie run, while the defense settled in late.

Getting a three-day break before hitting the road is key to proper recovery and focus. As of Tuesday night, the latest SEC Availability report showed an entirely healthy Texas A&M roster, while Ole Miss forward Jaemyn Brakefield (10 ppg) is probable to play.

For Texas A&M to win, limiting turnovers while preventing fast-break opportunities is key to keeping the Rebels from finding an offensive flow. The Aggies’ stiff defense will need to continue maintaining low scores, as coach Buzz Williams noted this week regarding A&M’s rugged play style:

“I think our style travels. We’ve done pretty well on the road.”

Texas A&M will return to face No. 21 Ole Miss at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion on Jan. 22 at 8:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on ESPN2.

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