Texas’ night in College Station was unfortunately overshadowed by many misfires, leading to an upset in their first SEC Basketball showdown against in-state and conference rival Texas A&M. The game was Texas’ first SEC matchup and the first on-campus meeting between the two rivals since Texas’ 70-68 victory in College Station on February 6, 2012, marked the game.
Mark hit 4-of-9 field goals, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and went a perfect 4-of-4 at the free throw line. Senior Arthur Kaluma contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, while junior Jordan Pope added 12 points, including 3-of-6 from deep. Freshman Tre Johnson chipped in 11 points and two blocks, and graduate Kadin Shedrick pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.
The game was tied at 37-37 at halftime and Texas trailed by just five points (57-52) with under eight minutes remaining. However, a late Texas A&M surge secured the victory for the Aggies.
Texas A&M opened the second half with a decisive 15-2 run, building a 52-39 lead. Despite a nine-point Longhorn spurt that reduced the deficit to 57-52, the Aggies responded with a 6-0 run to put the game out of reach.
In the first half, Texas led by as many as eight points, following an 11-2 run capped by Mark’s three-pointer. Texas A&M responded with a 10-0 run to take a 36-32 lead before the Longhorns closed the half with a 5-1 burst to tie the score.
Texas will look to bounce back when it hosts Auburn on Tuesday, January 7, at Moody Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT, and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.