Texas A&M Edges Out Ole Miss in Nail-Biter Finish
In a thrilling showdown at Reed Arena, Ole Miss couldn't hold onto their lead against Texas A&M, falling 80-77 in a heart-stopper on Wednesday night.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the get-go, with both teams trading baskets early on. Texas A&M managed to carve out a slim 14-8 lead after the first six minutes.
Malik Dia was a standout for the Rebels in the first half, contributing ten points and spearheading an 11-4 run that gave Ole Miss their first lead at 20-18 with just under ten minutes left in the half. The Rebels' fast-paced play was key, as they racked up 13 fastbreak points to the Aggies' none, allowing them to maintain a 38-33 advantage at halftime.
Ole Miss came out strong in the second half, quickly extending their lead to 43-33 thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Patton Pinkins. AJ Storr, after a quiet first half with just five points, came alive in the second, pouring in ten points in the first seven minutes, including a deep three that kept the Aggies at bay, pushing the lead to 58-48.
However, the tide began to turn as the clock wound down. With under three minutes remaining, Ole Miss clung to a 77-71 lead.
A missed three by Storr gave Texas A&M the opening they needed. The Aggies responded with a corner three-pointer, cutting the deficit to one possession.
The momentum shifted further when Storr lost the ball on the next possession, leading to an Aggies and-one play that trimmed the lead to 77-76. Despite missing a crucial free throw, Texas A&M capitalized on an offensive rebound, sealing the game with a layup.
Storr ended the night with an impressive 21 points, while Dia added 20. Ilias Kamardine and Pinkins chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss will return to Oxford to face No. 11 Florida on Saturday, Feb. 21, with tipoff set for 11 a.m. on ESPN. Fans can follow the action on Twitter @OleMissMBB, on Facebook at Ole Miss Men's Basketball, and on Instagram at olemissmbb.