5 takeaways from Texas A&M’s signature 70-66 win over No. 11 Purdue

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Dec 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Andersson Garcia (11) fouls Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Texas A&M (9-2) earned its most significant win of the year after defeating No. 11 Purdue 70-66 in the Indy Classic. While the matchup is listed as a neutral site game, this felt like an NCAA Tournament atmosphere surrounded by 90% Purdue fans.

This season, Texas A&M’s defense has been suffocating for nearly every opponent they’ve faced. Against three of the top 3-point shooting teams, the Aggie’s length and physicality have disrupted game plans and ruined offensive rhythm, which the Boilermakers endured throughout Saturday afternoon.

Texas A&M’s defense held Purdue to 35% shooting from three-point range and secured a 34-23 advantage in rebounds, featuring 14 offensive rebounds. Offensively, standout guard Wade Taylor IV contributed 15 points. In comparison, junior forward Pharrel Payne added 16 points and nine rebounds, tying guard Zhuric Phelps (16 points) for the team’s scoring lead for the evening.

The Aggies look like they can beat any time right now with this level of defense, and with two nonconference games remaining before SEC play, it’s time to finish things out strong before facing Texas on Jan. 4.

Here are five takeaways from No. 17 Texas A&M’s 70-66 win over No. 11 Purdue.

5. Texas A&M’s defense is playing at a championship level

Dec 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard C.J. Cox (0) and Texas A&M Aggies forward Pharrel Payne (21) battle for a loose ball during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Based on what we saw on Saturday, Texas A&M’s defense might be the best in college basketball, and KenPom agrees. After limiting the Boilermakers to 35% from beyond the arc, the Aggies’s length and physicality were relentless, especially with junior forward Pharrel Payne…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-takeaways-texas-ms-signature-110000749.html

Author : Aggies Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-15 11:00:00

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