In the return of “Buzz Ball”, a term coined from Aggies head coach Buzz Williams’ defensive scheme that requires consistent effort and defensive intensity needed for 40 minutes every game, Texas A&M came into the Sullivan Athletic Center on Black Friday to face the 3-2 DePaul Deamon Deacons the hope to reestablish said defensive identity.
After their 67-51 win against Loyola Chicago on Sunday, Buzz Williams knew that in order to increase early scoring, develop an offensive rhythm, and play sufficient defense throughout, the offensive needed to run through Tyrece “Boots” Radford, while having players like Wade Taylor IV continue coming off the bench. Let me tell ya, that plan worked to perfection on Friday afternoon, as Radford scored a career-high 31 points, while Wade Taylor IV notched 21 and 6 of the team’s steals. Radford’s offensive leadership and steadfast scoring effort continued late, as the senior scored 11 of the team’s final 13 points in the second half.
The Aggies held the lead the entire first half after going up 5-0, holding a 38-27 lead at the half. Henry Coleman III was third on the team in scoring with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists, and was an impressive 11-13 from the free throw line, while the team went 25-31 (80.6%) from the charity stripe.
The defense, led by Wade Taylor IV’s 6 first-half steals was stifling throughout, limiting the Demon Deacons to 26% shooting and 28% from 3-point, while forcing 15 turnovers.
After reaching an admirable 4-2 on the season, Texas A&M will return to Reed Arena to face SMU on Wednesday, Nov. 30th at 7:00 PM CT., which will be aired on SEC+/ESPN+.
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