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No. 13 Texas A&M drops season-opener to unranked UCF; Knights fans storm court
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No. 13 Texas A&M suffered a surprising season-opening loss on Monday night to unranked UCF. The Aggies have high expectations entering this season as a veteran-laden team, but losing to an unranked team isn’t the best start.
The Aggies had an 11-point lead with under 7 minutes to play. However, the team went cold from the field and was unable to stave off the Knights. At one point in the 2nd half, the Aggies went over 2 minutes without scoring. The team ended the game 1 for their last 13 from the field.
Hayden Hefner, CJ Wilcher, and Wade Taylor IV each missed a chance to hit a game-tying 3-pointer at the end of the game.
UCF TAKES DOWN NO. 13 TEXAS A&M AND STORMS THE COURT pic.twitter.com/EMtaieqj9a
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 5, 2024
The UCF fans in attendance stormed the court after the massive upset victory.
On the night, the Aggies shot just 37% from the field and 30% from deep. Free throw shooting was a problem as well, with the Aggies shooting just 57% from the charity stripe.
Pharrell Payne led the Aggies in scoring with 15 points. The forward also grabbed 6 rebounds and picked up 5 personal fouls. Wade Taylor IV had 13 points and 7 assists. No other Aggie had more than 6 points in the contest.
For the Knights, guard Darius Johnson racked up 24 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Guard Jordan Ivey-Curry 16 points of his own with 5 rebounds.
The Aggies will look to get back on track at home on Friday against Texas A&M-Commerce.
Final from Orlando.
UCF 64, Aggies 61
— Texas A&M Basketball (@aggiembk) November 5, 2024
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
