Texas A&M secured a landmark 83-72 victory over top-ranked Auburn on Tuesday night, marking the Aggies’ first-ever win against a No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 poll.
The Tigers, who had held the nation’s top ranking for eight consecutive weeks, saw their six-game winning streak snapped in College Station.
Auburn coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged Texas A&M’s physical dominance. "They just physically dominated us," Pearl said. "We have no excuses. They manhandled us, and if we’re going to keep winning, we need to be ready for teams like this."
The Aggies showcased their trademark physicality, out-rebounding Auburn 24-9 on the offensive glass. Andersson Garcia grabbed five of those boards to help fuel Texas A&M’s relentless attack.
Auburn (25-5, 14-3 SEC) struggled without key defender Denver Jones, who missed the game due to an ankle injury. Leading scorer Johni Broome, averaging 18.4 points per game, was also limited to just eight points while dealing with a shoulder issue.
For Texas A&M (18-12, 9-9 SEC), Wade Taylor IV led the way with 16 points, and the team’s intensity was fueled by the significance of Senior Night at Reed Arena.
"The guys that were on the court have been here from Day 1," Taylor said. "To get this win on Senior Night, in our last time playing on this court, meant everything."
Auburn, which had already clinched the SEC regular-season title with a win over Kentucky, will look to rebound in its regular-season finale. Texas A&M, meanwhile, hopes to build momentum heading into postseason play.
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