Texas A&M emerged victorious in a closely contested matchup against Oklahoma, winning 76-70 on March 15, 2024, at Reed Arena. The game marked A&M’s second Southeastern Conference (SEC) contest this season, drawing a large crowd as students returned to campus. Senior forward Rashaun Agee spearheaded the Aggies’ effort, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, critical in managing the pace against Oklahoma’s sharp shooter, guard Nijel Pack, who scored 24 points.
Both teams showcased competitive scoring throughout the game. A&M shot 45 percent from the field at halftime, ultimately ending the game with a shooting percentage of 42 percent. In contrast, Oklahoma concluded the match with 42 percent overall and 35 percent from beyond the arc. The Aggies managed to maintain their intensity, particularly in the second half, as they adjusted their defense to counter Oklahoma’s offensive strategies.
The historical context of this rivalry added intrigue to the match. Oklahoma leads the all-time series 31-13 but had not won in its last four visits to A&M. Under the guidance of head coach Bucky McMillan, the Aggies improved to 3-0 in SEC play, demonstrating resilience despite early setbacks.
In the first half, the Aggies faced early challenges, falling behind but consistently responding to Oklahoma’s advances. Guards Pop Isaacs and Ruben Dominguez, alongside Agee, combined for 28 of A&M’s 48 first-half points. The game fluctuated with both teams exchanging scoring runs, featuring six-point spurts from each side. Oklahoma established its largest lead of five points at the 18:13 mark, while A&M’s biggest advantage reached seven points late in the second half.
A key element of Texas A&M’s strategy was its defense, which effectively limited Oklahoma’s bench to just nine points in the first half. Starters including forwards Tae Davis and Derrion Reid, along with Pack, accounted for the bulk of Oklahoma’s scoring, contributing to 32 of the 45 first-half points.
Free throws proved pivotal in this matchup, with A&M converting 15 of 16 attempts, while Oklahoma was 9 of 10. The Aggies’ defense made significant contributions, forcing 17 turnovers from the Sooners, compared to their own eight. A&M initially struggled to defend against Oklahoma’s three-point shooting, with Pack hitting three long-range shots in the first half.
As the game progressed, Texas A&M found its rhythm. The Aggies concluded with 10 made three-pointers from 33 attempts, capitalizing on critical moments in the closing minutes. With just over six minutes remaining, Oklahoma held a narrow 70-69 lead. However, A&M regained control, with Lane, Hill, and Isaacs converting free throws, complemented by a crucial three-pointer from Dominguez and layups from Agee and Griffen to secure the win.
This victory not only highlights A&M’s competitive spirit but also sets the stage for the remainder of their SEC campaign as they continue to build momentum in the league. The Aggies’ performance reflects their potential to challenge strong opponents moving forward.
