FORT WORTH, TX — Despite a late push by Texas Tech, No. 22-ranked Texas A&M secured a 72-67 victory at the US LBM Coast-to-Coast Challenge on Sunday, extending their winning streak over the Red Raiders to seven games.
Chance McMillian, who scored a season-high 23 points, hit three late 3-pointers to spark the Red Raiders, but eight made free throws in the final minute allowed the Aggies (8-2) to stave off the comeback attempt in front of a sold-out crowd at Dickies Arena.
“We got off to a bad start in this one and looked uncomposed,” said Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland. “We just didn’t have the level of grit needed to win this game. A&M’s defensive adjustments, length, and athleticism disrupted our rhythm. I loved our fight, but turnovers and offensive rebounds were the difference.”
The rivalry matchup, renewed for the first time since 2012, was a back-and-forth affair. Texas A&M led by as many as 11 points in the first half before Texas Tech (7-3) rallied to take a 41-36 lead early in the second half. However, an 11-0 Aggie run midway through the half shifted the momentum, giving Texas A&M a 60-52 advantage they would not relinquish.
McMillian drained a 3-pointer with 50 seconds left to cut the deficit to four points, while Darrion Williams added another clutch 3-pointer in the final moments. McMillian’s last shot with two seconds left brought the margin to five, but the Aggies closed it out at the free-throw line.
Texas Tech committed 18 turnovers and was outscored 18-9 on points off turnovers. Texas A&M also held a 15-7 advantage in second-chance points, fueled by 18 offensive rebounds.
- Chance McMillian led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 5-for-10 from 3-point range.
- Kevin Overton added 17 points, including four 3-pointers.
- Darrion Williams finished with 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
- Federiko Federiko contributed seven points, six rebounds, and four steals.
- The Red Raiders were without leading scorer and rebounder JT Toppin, who missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury.
Texas Tech shot 45.1% from the field, including 38.7% (12-for-31) from beyond the arc, while Texas A&M managed just 37.3% shooting. The Aggies capitalized on their 16 extra field-goal attempts and defensive pressure to clinch the victory.
Texas Tech will take a week off before returning to action on Dec. 16 against Oral Roberts at United Supermarkets Arena. The Red Raiders remain undefeated at home this season (6-0) and hold a 36-game non-conference home winning streak.
“I believe in this team,” McCasland said. “We have the right pieces when healthy, but our commitment to playing the right way must improve. We’ll use this experience to grow and prepare for Big 12 play.”
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