WACO, Texas – Elston Turner scored a career-high 21 points to help lead a late Texas A&M charge, but a hard-fought Aggie effort fell short in a 61-52 loss to No. 4 Baylor on Monday evening before 8,424 fans at the Ferrell Center.
In the Big 12 opener for both teams, A&M (9-4, 0-1) held the Bears (14-0, 1-0) under 40 percent shooting for only the second time all year, but the Aggies were unable to overcome a 21-percent first-half field goal effort.
Down by 17 late in the first half, A&M used back-to-back threes by Turner and Khris Middleton to pull within 13 at the break. Baylor would extend the lead to as many as 19 early in the second half and led by 15 with just over 6 minutes to play, but a bucket by David Loubeau and a three by Turner made the score 53-43 with 5 minutes left.
Baylor answered with consecutive buckets to pull back ahead by 14 before a pair of Middleton free throws and another Turner trey would cut the deficit to nine with just over two minutes to go. A&M, however, would get no closer, as the Bears hit four late free throws to seal the win.
Turner finished with a career-best five 3-pointers, while Middleton added 14 and Loubeau added 8. Perry Jones III’s 14 points and 12 rebounds paced Baylor.
Texas A&M opens the Big 12 portion of its home season on Saturday afternoon when the Aggies welcome Iowa State (10-3) to Reed Arena. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.
Saturday is Military Appreciation Day, and all military and military families can receive two free tickets and purchase more at a discount. Contact the Athletic Ticket Office (888-99-AGGIE) for more information. In addition, Half Price Holiday Hoops prices are in effect one final time, with seats starting at just $5.