Texas A&M Closes Non-Conference Play in Style, But Faces a Key Loss Moving Forward
The Texas A&M Aggies wrapped up their non-conference slate with authority on Monday night, putting together a 111-82 win over Prairie View A&M. It was the kind of high-octane, full-throttle performance that’s becoming a signature under head coach Bucky McMillan. With the win, the Aggies move to 10-3 on the season and head into SEC play riding a wave of momentum - but also facing a significant challenge.
Here’s a closer look at what stood out from the Aggies’ third straight win, and what lies ahead as conference play begins.
A&M Loses Mackenzie Mgbako for the Season
Before the ball was even tipped, Texas A&M was dealt a tough blow. Big man Mackenzie Mgbako will miss the rest of the season due to a foot injury, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. It’s the same foot - the right one - that required offseason surgery for a Jones fracture, which already sidelined him for the first five games of the year.
Mgbako’s return had sparked a noticeable uptick in A&M’s performance. The Aggies went 6-1 with him back in the lineup leading into Monday’s game, outscoring opponents by an average of 33 points in those six wins.
His presence added size, shooting, and versatility to the frontcourt, and he was starting to find his rhythm with averages of 10.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He also brought a reliable stroke - 39% from the field, 34.3% from three, and a stellar 88.2% from the line.
The former five-star recruit and Indiana transfer had the potential to be a major difference-maker in SEC play. With two years of eligibility remaining, his long-term outlook remains promising, but for this season, the Aggies will have to find ways to fill the void - both in production and presence.
And it’s not just Mgbako. Texas A&M has yet to enjoy a fully healthy roster for a sustained stretch.
Rylan Griffen, who’s been a key scoring option (11.2 PPG), missed time with the flu. Pop Isaacs, another important piece averaging 8.8 points per game, also sat out a contest earlier this season.
Offense Keeps Rolling - Even Without a Three-Point Barrage
On a night when the Aggies didn’t exactly torch the nets from deep, they still found a way to hang 111 points on the board. That’s the third straight game they’ve crossed the 110-point threshold - and the sixth time this season they’ve hit triple digits. For context, they didn’t have a single 100-point game in the previous three seasons combined.
A&M shot a respectable 36.7% from beyond the arc (11-of-30), but it was their work inside the arc that truly set the tone. The Aggies converted 27-of-40 two-point attempts - a sizzling 68% - and racked up 52 points in the paint. They were relentless on the glass too, pulling down 14 offensive boards and turning those into 16 second-chance points.
The efficiency wasn’t just eye candy - it was the product of a clear identity. This isn’t just a run-and-gun team jacking up threes.
Yes, pace is a big part of what McMillan preaches, but the system is built on pressure, paint touches, and playing with purpose. On Monday, we saw that in full effect: 18 made layups, four dunks, and 1.354 points per possession.
That’s elite-level execution.
Even when the three-ball isn’t falling at a high clip - and it wasn’t quite as sharp as in recent blowouts - the Aggies are showing they can still dominate. That’s a sign of a team that’s maturing offensively, learning to win in different ways.
And defensively? They turned up the heat.
The Aggies forced turnovers, flipped those into 21 points, and made life miserable for Prairie View A&M from the moment the ball was inbounded. It’s that two-way intensity that gives this team a real edge heading into SEC play.
Rashaun Agee Continues to Shine
If there’s one player who’s quietly becoming a cornerstone for this A&M squad, it’s Rashaun Agee.
The senior forward delivered another standout performance on Monday, posting 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting (64%) and pulling down 13 rebounds - his fifth double-double of the season. He also added two blocks, giving the Aggies a strong interior presence on both ends of the floor.
Agee has been efficient all season, shooting over 52% from the field, and while his three-point shooting hasn’t been a strength (just over 21% entering the game), he knocked down two of his three attempts from deep in this one. Both came from the wing, and he looked confident - a good sign for a player who’s clearly expanding his game.
He also made the most of his trips to the free-throw line, hitting three of four, as A&M went 24-of-35 overall from the stripe. But perhaps most importantly, Agee brought energy and physicality. He led the team with four offensive rebounds and played bigger than his 6-foot-8 frame would suggest.
Right now, he ranks second on the team in scoring (12.8 PPG), first in rebounding (8.2 RPG), and leads the team in blocks. With Mgbako out, Agee’s role becomes even more critical. And if Monday’s performance is any indication, he’s ready to shoulder that load.
What’s Next: SEC Play Begins
The Aggies now turn their attention to the SEC, where the real tests begin. They’ll open conference play at home against LSU this Saturday at Reed Arena. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. on ESPNU.
At 10-3, A&M has built a solid non-conference résumé, but the road ahead will be tougher - and without Mgbako, even more so. Still, with the offense clicking, the defense dialing up pressure, and players like Agee stepping up, this is a team that looks ready to compete in the SEC.
Buckle up. Bucky Ball is about to hit the big stage.