In a thrilling Southeastern Conference basketball matchup, Texas A&M's star player Wade Taylor IV delivered a standout performance, helping the Aggies secure a narrow 76-72 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday night in Columbia, S.C. Taylor was in exceptional form, notching up 25 points and tying his career-best by sinking seven 3-pointers.
The Aggies, ranked 13th in the nation, seemed poised to run away with the game early in the second half. Taylor's sixth successful 3-pointer of the evening extended their lead to 49-36, giving Texas A&M a comfortable cushion. However, the resilience of the Gamecocks saw them storm back with an 11-point unanswered run, narrowing the gap significantly and adding suspense to an already intense game.
As the clock ticked down, South Carolina trimmed the lead to just two points, trailing 74-72 following a critical play by Collin Murray-Boyles with only 1.8 seconds remaining. Despite the pressure, Texas A&M managed to hold on. Henry Coleman III sealed the game’s outcome with two clutch free throws in the final moments, ensuring victory for the Aggies.
While Taylor's sharpshooting stole the spotlight, Texas A&M's team effort was also commendable. Each of the nine players contributed by scoring at least once, highlighting the depth and versatility within the squad. Such performances signify the team's strong form as they improve to 17-5 overall and 6-3 in conference play.
On the other hand, the Gamecocks, led by Murray-Boyles who scored 22 points, continue to struggle in conference play with a 0-9 record. They've faced a grueling schedule, including six matchups against top-ranked SEC opponents. This challenging season continues as they prepare to meet five more Top 25 teams in the upcoming month.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M will be aiming to maintain their momentum when they next face No. 20 Missouri. A week's rest will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to regroup and strategize for the crucial game on February 8. Similarly, South Carolina will use this break to refocus before their encounter with No. 12 Kentucky on the same date.
This victory reinforces Texas A&M's competitive edge in the SEC, showcasing their ability to come through in tight contests and highlighting Wade Taylor IV's pivotal role in leading the team.
