Ags top Tech, 67-54

COLLEGE STATION-Texas A&M used a balanced scoring attack and a strong defensive effort to lift the Aggies to a 67-54 win over Texas Tech Saturday afternoon before 7,083 fans at Reed Arena.

Complementing a solid offensive effort-one which saw five A&M players score in double figures and the team shoot nearly 50 percent from the floor-was a defensive show that forced 23 Red Raider turnovers and held Tech to 33 percent shooting, its second lowest output of the season.

The win was the first for the Aggies (10-6, 1-3) in the young Big 12 season, while Tech fell to 7-9 and 0-4.

A&M got 12 points apiece from Khris Middleton, Elston Turner and Naji Hibbert-who drained three treys off the bench to reach a season high-while adding 11 from Dash Harris and 10 from Ray Turner. It marked the first time this year than the Aggies put five in double figures.

Texas A&M used its best first half of the season in Big 12 play to take a 17-point lead into the locker room.

The Aggies raced out to a 14-2 advantage through hot shooting and strong defense, making 6 of 9 from the floor and holding the Red Raiders without a field goal for the first 11 minutes of the game. Tech finished the first half with a season-low 17 points.

A&M would extend its lead to as many as 25 points in the second half. The Red Raiders reached the final margin with a Luke Adams 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The battle on the glass was won by Texas A&M, which out-rebounded Texas Tech 36-28. The Aggies shot 47.8 percent from the floor, their highest in Big 12 play and the fourth-highest output of the season.

Harris added 7 assists, against just one turnover, and 4 steals, while Middleton blocked a career-high 3 shots.

Jaye Crockett scored a career high 19 points for Texas Tech and added 8 rebounds. Jordan Tolbert pulled down a game-high 9 boards.

The Aggies have a quick turnaround and will head to Columbia tomorrow afternoon for a Big Monday matchup against the ninth-ranked Missouri Tigers (16-1, 3-1). Tipoff on Monday is set for 4:30 p.m. (CT) at Mizzou Arena, and the game will air nationally on ESPN.

More News