Courtney Williams scored 19 points to lead 7th-ranked Texas A&M to a 93-27 win over McNeese State Wednesday evening at Reed Arena. The 66-point margin of victory was the third-largest in A&M history.
The Aggies (6-0) jumped out on an early 19-2 run during the first half, and eventually led McNeese (3-2) 54-14 at the break. The Aggies shot 58.1% in the second half to post their largest win since Nov. 21, 2006, an 83-point win also against McNeese State.
Texas A&M notched its sixth 6-0 start since 2006-07, and just the seventh in school history. The Aggies also extended their home winning streak to six games, and have won 71 straight against non-conference unranked opponents.
In addition to Williams, Chelsea Jennings, Rachel Mitchell and Courtney Walker reached double figures with 11 points each. Jennings and Mitchell’s efforts represented career-highs, while Walker scored in double figures for the 19th straight game, dating back to last season.
Jordan Jones contributed 10 assists, her second double-digit assist game of the season, and Curtyce Knox matched a career-high with seven assists.
The Aggies host No. 8 Duke in a Top 10 matchup inside Reed Arena on Sunday, November 30 at 12 p.m. Coverage of the game is on SEC Network.
QUICKIE NOTES
- This was the third-largest margin of victory in school history, and the largest since a school-record-tying 109-26 (83-point) win against McNeese State on Nov. 21, 2006
- These were the fewest points allowed by A&M since allowing 27 to Prairie View A&M on Nov. 13, 2013
- These were the most points scored by A&M since a 93-47 win over Mississippi State on Nov. 20, 2011
- Texas A&M has started 6-0 for the sixth time since 2006-07, and the seventh time in school history
- In her first start of the season, Courtney Williams scored 19 points, her 35th career double-digit scoring game
- Courtney Walker with 11 points, scored in double figures for the 19th straight game and 54th time in her career
- Rachel Mitchell had a career-high 11 points, reaching double figures for the first time in her career.
- Chelsea Jennings scored a career-high 11 points, her second double-figure scoring game of her career.
- Jordan Jones had 10 assists, her second 10+ assist game of the season and 12th of her career.
FIRST HALF NOTES
- The Aggies went on a 19-2 run over 5:14 of the first half, to take a 27-7 lead
- The Aggies scored 54 or more points in the first half for the first time since scoring 54 on Dec. 30, 2010 at San Diego State
- The Aggies allowed 14 or fewer in the first half for the first time since Dec. 3, 2013, when A&M allowed 14 to San Diego State in Reed Arena.
STREAKS
- Texas A&M has won 71 straight non-conference games against unranked opponents, and 34 of their last 35 games against all unranked opponents at home. Texas A&M has also won 55 straight home games against mid-majors
- Texas A&M has won their last six home games, dating back to last season. The Aggies have won 18 of their last 20 home games
- A&M has won their last nine games against McNeese State.
POSTGAME QUOTES
McNeese State Head Coach Brooks Donald-Williams
Thoughts on the game.
“Certainly hats off to Texas A&M, they are a fantastic team and Coach Blair has put another top notch program on the floor, one of the best in the country. We struggled because of their defensive and offensive efforts. We struggled because of Texas A&M. We also struggled because this is the first big time environment our team has played in all season. It was a big eye opener for our young team and a great experience. We had a lot of nerves and they got the best of us from beginning to end. Texas A&M had a lot to do with that.”
Junior Guard Courtney Walker
What was different with the team’s effort tonight?
The main thing we pointed out at halftime is that we were flying around. I think that energy that we were bringing on defense was turning into offense. I don’t know how many steals and layup type plays that we made but it seemed like a lot more than we were getting in the previous games. I think that’s what fueled us and got us going throughout the whole game.
Junior Center Rachel Williams
What was the difference in the rebounding tonight?
“We had energy and the motivation. We said to each other that we were all going to work hard to get the W”
Head Coach Gary Blair
Thoughts on the game
“One of the first two keys on the board was getting our mojo back. We cannot turn on the light switch against Duke unless we learn how to play well at home and get our running game going and also get the crowd into it. If it’s a half court game, that’s their advantage. I thought our team played well. I think it starts with your point guard. Jordan Jones was in there doing her thing. Courtney Walker and Courtney Williams were both very good. I thought Walker, with the exception of the opening shot; every other shot that she took was a right on shot. She can take you to the hole and hit that mid range jumper. We don’t need the threes all the time unless we are playing a zone team. They gave me a chance rest my seniors and play some babies. I need to see what that double post can do defensively not just offensively. Give Coach Starkey a lot of credit with the defense. We knew everything they were going to run. This team finally showed up regardless of the opponent.
What was best about your team tonight?
“The Defense. We just had a skill set that was a little bit better than what they had. We were scoring well in transition and making them miss. Our height really bothered them. We turned it over a couple of times trying to force it in. I was more pleased with my five and my guards for giving the ball up. Let the other kids get their touches and looks as we grow as a team. We have a very unselfish team.”
Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics