The numbers
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, Texas A&M defeated Saint Mary’s 63-50 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament held in Oklahoma City on March 19, 2026. Rashaun Agee led the charge for Texas A&M, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, helping his team secure a decisive victory.
Texas A&M’s defense was a key factor in the game, forcing Saint Mary’s into 18 turnovers, which significantly impacted the flow of the match. The Aggies established a commanding lead early on, going up by as much as 20 points with just 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Saint Mary’s struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 38.3% from the field. Joshua Dent was the standout performer for the Gaels, contributing 18 points, while Liam Campbell added 15 points. However, the team faced challenges, including a disappointing performance from Paulius Murauskas, who managed just 4 points.
Bucky McMillan, head coach of Texas A&M, expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “I was proud of our guys. Total team effort.” Rashaun Agee echoed this sentiment, noting that the team’s strong start “completely set the tone” for the game.
On the other hand, Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, saying, “Guys have to play well. We did not.” Bucky McMillan added, “We just weren’t ready to go,” highlighting the lack of preparation that hindered Saint Mary’s performance.
This victory marks a significant moment for Texas A&M as they advance in the tournament. The 2026 March Madness tournament began with selections on March 15, and Texas A&M’s win sets them up for a challenging next round against No. 2 seed Houston.
As the tournament progresses, observers will be keen to see how Texas A&M performs against Houston, a formidable opponent. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specifics of their upcoming match, but the Aggies will undoubtedly aim to build on their momentum from this victory.