News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
Texas A&M’s Kailyn Gilbert registered the most points in an Aggie debut since the turn of the century Monday inside Reed Arena to lead the team past UAPB, 77-54, on opening night.
Gilbert shot 11-of-20 from the field and grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out six assists. The outing was Gilbert’s fifth career double-double.
Miyah Verse and Kaniya Boyd also had stellar debuts for Texas A&M (1-0). Verse scored 13 points and grabbed six boards, while Boyd had seven points and four rebounds. Emerald Parker pitched in 10 points and hauled in eight boards, and Anita Franchini brought down nine rebounds.
The first bucket of the season went to freshman Rieyan DeSouze after hitting a corner 3-pointer with 8:31 left in the first period. Texas A&M would go on to outrebound UAPB (0-1) 17-7 in the first 10 minutes, which helped the Maroon & White take a 15-8 advantage into the second quarter. Six different Aggies scored in the opening period of the season.
Gilbert erupted in the second quarter, scoring nine of the team’s 18 points. The graduate transfer used some elite off-the-dribble shot making, going 4-of-7 from the field in the frame. The Aggies extended their lead to 33-21 in the first half before the intermission.
The Lady Lions clawed their way back into the game, winning the third quarter, 23-20. Gilbert carried the load offensively for the Aggies, adding an additional 11 points to her total. After 30 minutes, the Maroon & White still held onto a 57-44 advantage.
Texas A&M came out and finished the season opener with a bang after the lack luster third frame. Seven Aggies pitched in points in the final period, led by Gilbert who had seven to secure her career best of 30 points. The Maroon & White shot 58.8% (10-of-17) from the field in the quarter and won the contest, 77-54. The Aggies ended the game on an 11-0 run.
Texas A&M returns to the court Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. inside Reed Arena against Louisiana. Tickets can be purchased at 12thmanfoundation.net. Fans are encouraged to wear white to the contest.