Press conference video courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics.
Just seconds after the competition began, it was clear that the Aggies were ready for another test.
The young team has had some rocky games so far, but the veterans on the squad consistently managed to win the team, and today’s game was no different – aside from the thousands of elementary school students in attendance.
An 11-point, 10-rebound double-double from Senior Aaliyah Patty is exactly what the 17th-placed Aggies needed to extend their perfect start en route to a 65:50 win over Little Rock. Kayla Wells and Destiny Pitts each contributed 15 points based on the team’s efficient 46 percent shooting clip.
Jamie Maury, TexAgs
Patty recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
After the Trojans were knocked out from within, A & M’s 40-19 halftime lead was reduced to a nine point lead after the third, with Little Rock weakening the Aggies’ inner demeanor and taking advantage of 12 offensive boards.
“At the beginning of the second half we wanted to extend the lead a bit so we talked about it,” said Wells. “We talked about stop, goal, stop and I thought we would have made it in the second quarter. In the third quarter, I thought we came out a little flat, which we’re not really used to.
“Our second half is usually our best, but it wasn’t our best today.”
As the nation’s best 3-point shooter team, the Ags scored another game with eight triples. Pitts shot an impressive 5 for 6 from downtown.
Stretching the floor wasn’t the answer to Wednesday’s game.
Adjusting to the fast pace of Little Rock and dubbing the second unit over was key. A&M finally found its rhythm and took advantage of its depth and outperformed the Trojans’ bank with 25-3.
“There was no way I wanted to sit there playing Jordan (Nixon) for 34 minutes and Kayla (Wells) for 35 minutes at that ball game,” said A&M head coach Gary Blair. “We saved Pitts. I think that was a great coaching move that got her off the bench, but I wanted to see if we could play a bigger line-up.
“She could be the 14th player off the bench or the top scorer in any game. She takes on her role like a real athlete. This is the 12th man / woman in our team. Whatever role we give Pitts, she will accept it and play it well. “
The Aggies stepped up their defenses and took control of the boards, with newcomer Jada Malone taking six rebounds off the bench.
“We have a young team and we have to get better at recovering from close games and close training sessions. It’s a shame when we’re tired. “
– A&M Guard Kayla Wells
After the lead was trimmed and minutes had passed, the Aggies relied on slowing down and taking advantage of easy opportunities, particularly at the foul line, and shot an impressive 90 percent off the streak.
A&M eventually pulled away when Blair joined the legendary Shelby Metcalf’s with his 438th win at Texas A&M.
Although profits continue to come and double-digit margins are abundant, Wells said there is still much room for improvement as the SEC gets inches closer.
“We have a young team and we have to get better at recovering from close games and close training sessions. It’s a shame when we’re tired, ”Wells said. “We have to come out and measure ourselves in training and in the game and we have to get better there.”
The Aggies return to Reed Arena on Sunday afternoon for a top 25 duel against arch-rivals No. 15 Texas. Tip-off is set at 3:00 p.m. CT.
