Southern University guard Tidjiane Dioumassi (22) defends a three point shot against Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Wade Taylor IV scored 17 points and Zhuric Phelps added 16 as No. 23 Texas A&M erased a 16-point deficit Wednesday night in a 71-54 victory over Southern.
The slow-starting Aggies (4-1) shot 23% from the field in the first half (8 for 35) and fell behind 39-25 at the break. Texas A&M used a 19-0 run midway through the second to repel Southern’s upset bid, outscoring the Jaguars 46-15 in the final 20 minutes.
Jordan Johnson had 19 points for Southern (1-4). He helped the Jaguars build their big early lead by hitting a trio of 3-pointers in the first half.
Takeaways
Texas A&M: Coming off a 14-point home victory over then-No. 21 Ohio State last Friday night, the Aggies learned a valuable lesson about letdowns.
Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps (1) gets past Southern University forward DaMariee Jones (1) along the baseline for a layup during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Southern: The Jaguars would love to bottle their first 20 minutes against Texas A&M to use throughout their Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule.
Key moment
After trailing by 16 late in the first half, Texas A&M was clinging to a 45-44 lead midway through the second when forward Solomon Washington chased down Johnson on a wide-open fast break and swatted away what otherwise would have been a sure layup. Southern failed to score over the next four minutes as the Aggies built a comfortable lead.
Key stat
Texas A&M grabbed 29 offensive rebounds to 10 for the undersized Jaguars as the Aggies finally took control thanks to their aggressiveness following missed shots.
Texas A&M guard Jace Carter (0) tries to shoot over Southern University center Dionjahe Thomas (8) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Up next
Southern hosts Champion Christian College on Monday. Texas A&M plays Oregon on Tuesday in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.
Texas A&M guard Jace Carter (0) drives the baseline against Southern University guard Jordan Johnson (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps (1) shoots over Southern University guard Joe Manning (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Texas A&M forward Pharrel Payne (21) backs down Southern University center Brentay Noel (0) towards the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps, left, and teammate Pharrel Payne (21) fight for a loose ball with Southern University center Brentay Noel (0) during the first half and of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV (4) reacts after making a three point basket against Southern University during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University guard Tidjiane Dioumassi (22) drives to the basket against Texas A&M guard Manny Obaseki (35) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University guard Jayce Depron (5) drives the lane against Texas A&M forward Solomon Washington (9) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University guard Jordan Johnson (11) attempts as three point shot over Texas A&M forward Solomon Washington (9) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University guard Tidjiane Dioumassi (22) drives the lane past Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV (4) during the second halfof an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University forward Derrick Tezeno (4) reaches for a loose ball as Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps (1) scoops it up during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University guard Tidjiane Dioumassi (22) is fouled on a shot under the basket by Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Southern University forward AJ Barnes, left, and teammate Dionjahe Thomas (8) contest a shot from Texas A&M forward Henry Coleman III (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Texas A&M guard Hayden Hefner (2) shoots a shot over Southern University guard Michael Jacobs (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
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