Texas A&M faced a tough challenge on the court, coming off a grueling triple-overtime battle against LSU just days before. That kind of extended play can wear down even the most energetic college athletes, and it seemed to take a toll on the Aggies as they squared off against Oklahoma.
Right from the start, Oklahoma seized control, jumping to a 14-6 lead within the first five minutes. Texas A&M responded by rotating their bench extensively, hoping for a spark. Unfortunately, their three-point attempts just wouldn't connect, while the Sooners capitalized on their size advantage to dominate inside.
A pivotal moment came when Tae Davis's layup put Oklahoma ahead 38-14, effectively sealing the game before halftime. Despite trailing by 22 at the break, Texas A&M tried to mount a comeback in the second half. Zach Clemence's effort cut the deficit to 12 with just over 14 minutes remaining, but a missed three-pointer by Rylan Griffen allowed the Sooners to launch an 8-0 run, putting the game out of reach once more.
Griffen, Clemence, and Ruben Dominguez combined for a 3-of-9 performance from beyond the arc in the first half. While not terrible, the Aggies usually rely on one of them to ignite their offense and counter taller opponents. Their inability to hit shots hindered their full-court pressure and prevented them from controlling the game's tempo.
The Sooners, on the other hand, dominated the boards and dictated the pace. They scored 13 shots in the paint during the first half and racked up 19 fast-break points by controlling the defensive rebounds and capitalizing on high-percentage opportunities.
Pop Isaacs contributed with three triples, and Rashaun Agee was consistent around the rim, but Texas A&M couldn't find the spark they needed from the bench. Coach Bucky McMillan tried various strategies, but the team seemed depleted from the start.
Oklahoma needed this win to bolster their NCAA hopes, and they delivered across the board from the opening tip. Meanwhile, Texas A&M, likely secure in their tournament spot, appeared to be running on empty.
Now, the Aggies have some time to regroup and prepare for March Madness, hoping to recharge and refocus for the challenges ahead. Kudos to the Sooners for a well-rounded performance that showcased their readiness for the postseason.