COLUMBIA, S.C.- No. 12 Texas A&M fell 79-61 to No. 1 South Carolina on ESPN2’s Big Monday at Colonial Life Arena.
The Aggies (16-5, 4-3 SEC) led 24-20 in the first half before South Carolina (19-0, 7-0 SEC) went on a 14-0 run to eventually take a 39-31 lead into the break. Texas A&M stormed out of the second half gates with a 7-1 run, cutting the deficit to 40-38, but the Gamecocks answered with an 8-0 run of their own and never got any closer.
Achiri Ade led the Aggies with a season-high 15 points. A&M had four players double figures for the first time since Dec. 13, with Jordan Jones, Courtney Walker and Courtney Williams joining her in double figures.
The Aggies return home on Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m. to host Auburn in the Frozen February kickoff game. The game is slated for coverage on SEC Network Plus.
NOTES
• Texas A&M had four players score in double figures for the first time since Dec. 13, 2014
• Achiri Ade had a season-high 15 points.
• Ade scored in double figures for the fifth time this season and 13th time in her career
• Jordan Jones scored in double figures for the 11th time this season and 19th time in her career
• Courtney Walker scored in double figures for the 17th time this season and 65th time in her career
• Courtney Williams reached double figures for the 12th time this season and the 46th time in her career
• This is South Carolina’s first win against Texas A&M. The Aggies lead the all-time series 3-1.
• Texas A&M has not beat AP No. 1 in 15 tries. In six of the eight matchups vs. AP No. 1 under Gary Blair, Texas A&M has been within four points at some point in the second half (closest: trailing 40-38 in second half)
• Blair is now 688-277 in his career, and 280-114 at Texas A&M.
• Texas A&M is now 16-5 on the season and 4-3 in SEC play. South Carolina is now 19-0 and 7-0 in SEC Play.