Aggies Secure 90-88 Victory in Dramatic SEC Showdown at Auburn

In a thrilling encounter on January 3, 2024, the Texas A&M Aggies emerged victorious against the Auburn Tigers with a final score of 90-88. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) clash, held at Neville Arena, was marked by a series of chaotic moments that ultimately determined the outcome.

The game culminated in a dramatic finish that included a controversial call regarding an intentionally missed free throw and a last-second shot by Auburn’s KeyShawn Murphy, which was disallowed after video review. With just two seconds left on the clock, Pop Isaacs missed the first of two free throws, prompting the Tigers to call a timeout. Following the timeout, Isaacs attempted an intentional miss that barely grazed the rim. The referees, however, mistakenly stopped the clock.

When Murphy connected on a catch-and-shoot three-pointer just before the buzzer, it sent the Auburn crowd into a frenzy. However, the celebration was short-lived as replays confirmed that the ball was still in Murphy’s hands when the clock expired. “They can boo all they want here,” said Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan. “That game should’ve been over if there wasn’t a clock malfunction. That’s inexcusable for that to happen here.”

With the call upheld, Texas A&M secured a significant win, improving their record to 12-3 and 2-0 in SEC play. Isaacs led the Aggies with 21 points, while Jacari Lane contributed 17. Rashaun Agee and Rubén Dominguez each added 14 points to the team’s total.

Auburn, now 9-6 and 0-2 in conference play, initially appeared dominant in the first half, led by Keyshawn Hall, who scored 32 points, with half of those coming before halftime. The Tigers established a 47-37 lead at the break. However, the Aggies displayed resilience in the second half, overcoming a 16-point deficit.

“It was a resilient second half there by our guys,” McMillan noted. “We are what we are, and we’re looking like we’re supposed to look. Attacking basketball. Being relentless the whole game.”

The Aggies executed a swift 11-0 run in just 28 seconds, showcasing their defensive prowess and effective three-point shooting. This surge brought them within striking distance and ultimately gave them a lead. “When you watch Texas A&M play right now, we have an identity to who we are. We may be undersized, but we’ve got some dogs out there that are going to scrap and fight and keep attacking,” McMillan emphasized.

With 3:51 remaining, Texas A&M expanded their lead to 12 points. Despite this, Auburn continued to battle back, launching a 7-0 run in the closing moments. Isaacs managed to hit two of four free throws down the stretch, solidifying the victory amidst the chaos.

The Aggies’ win represents their first signature victory under McMillan and highlights their potential as they continue through the SEC season. In addition to basketball, Texas A&M will host the Troubadour Festival on March 28, 2024, at Midtown Park in Bryan, featuring top BBQ joints and live music.

As the team progresses, fans can anticipate increased excitement when they return to Reed Arena, where the student crowd will undoubtedly add to the atmosphere.