Kennedy returns; Ags win over Southern, 83-58

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) – Junior forward Ray Turner scored 20 points and No. 20 Texas A&M beat Southern 83-58 Sunday in coach Billy Kennedy’s return to the Aggies’ sideline.

The 47-year-old Kennedy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last month and had taken a leave of absence from the program under doctor’s orders. Associate head coach Glynn Cyprien had led the Aggies in practice and in their season-opening victory over Liberty on Wednesday.

Derick Beltran scored 19 points for Southern (1-1).

A&M raced to a 46-21 halftime lead against the Jaguars, and the contest never was in doubt in the second half. Turner tied his career for the second straight game and the Aggies (2-0) outrebounded the Jaguars 44-21.

The Aggies played their first game without star guard Khris Middleton, who tore the meniscus in his right knee in the opener and is out three to four weeks.

A&M outscored the Jaguars 15-0 on second-chance points, and 46-18 in the paint. A&M also outscored Southern 16-8 on fast-break points, and 29-10 off the bench. Forward Kourtney Roberson added 12 points for A&M, while forward David Loubeau and guard Elston Turner had 11 points apiece.

A&M, which leads its all-time series with Southern 3-1, shot 56.6 percent (30 of 53) from the floor, compared to 40.7 percent (22 of 54) for Southern. The Jaguars’ Quinton Doggett had nine rebounds, while Turner and Keith Davis each grabbed eight for A&M.

The Aggies, who led throughout, held a 33-point lead with 4:17 with remaining. A&M, which along with Kansas is picked to win the Big 12, will next play Mississippi State on Thursday in Madison Square Garden in the 17th Annual 2K Sports Classic. Kennedy said he’s taking things “day by day” right now and isn’t certain if he’ll make the trip to New York City.

A&M has won 62 consecutive nonconference home games dating to the start of the 2005-06 season.

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