Horns get past Aggies, 70-68

Just like when they met in Austin last month, the Aggies knew this year’s Longhorns were beatable and indeed they were last night but indeed A&M could not take the upper hand when it counted. Texas wins the final Lone Star Showdown basketball game at Reed Arena for the near future, 70-68, in front of 9700+ fans and a National TV audience.

 For the Aggies, they go to 12-11 with at least 8 (maybe more) games to play. They have to win at least half of those to finish with a winning record and to even qualify for selection by the NIT.

 Last night the Aggies lost despite outshooting the Horns 50% to 48%and tieing them in rebounds and making nine more free throws. But Texas got off 12 more field goals than A&M and make 5 more, including one more 3 pointer than the Ags.

 Texas led by as many as 9 in the first half before A&M went on a 17-6 run to lead by 2. A&M led by one at half.

 Texas took the lead back in the second half and kept it until Elston Turner’s free throws with 1:09 left gave the Aggies a 67-66 lead. But UT got it back quickly on J’Covan Brown’s layup and his two free throws with 17 seconds left made it a three-point UT lead. Turner was fouled with 3 seconds left, made the first and purposely missed the second hoping for the rebound, but Texas got it and waited for the buzzer.

 It was an important win for the Horns as they go to just 15-9 for the year and 5-6 in the league. They are trying to at least be a bubble team for the NCAA tourney.

 The Aggies are on the road for their next two, at Iowa State Saturday and at Texas Tech next Tuesday.

More News