Texas A&M, ranked 13th, defeated USC MBB, which is now winless in the SEC. Three observations

On a dramatic night in college basketball, the Texas A&M Aggies, ranked 13th in the nation, took care of business in the SEC by defeating USC MBB (University of South Carolina Men’s Basketball) in commanding fashion. The win, a statement victory for the Aggies, not only continued their strong conference play but also exposed some glaring issues for South Carolina, who remains winless in the SEC. The final score told the story: Texas A&M 76, South Carolina 62.

The game was one of those moments that highlighted the difference in expectations and the ongoing journey for both teams. Texas A&M, a program building upon its past successes, has emerged as a top contender in the SEC this season, while South Carolina is still struggling to find its footing in the conference. In the aftermath of the game, three key takeaways stand out—factors that directly influenced the result and give insight into what lies ahead for both teams.

1. Texas A&M’s Balanced Scoring and Depth

One of the most notable aspects of Texas A&M’s victory was the team’s offensive balance. The Aggies have made it a habit this season to play a team-oriented, unselfish brand of basketball, and it was on full display in their victory over South Carolina. In a game where the offense could have leaned heavily on one or two standout players, Texas A&M spread the wealth, ensuring that every player on the court contributed in some meaningful way. This style of basketball has made Texas A&M an incredibly tough opponent in the SEC.

Texas A&M’s offense flowed through a mix of inside-out play, fast breaks, and smart ball movement. On any given possession, the Aggies could beat their opponents by passing to the open shooter or moving the ball into the post for high-percentage shots. This diversity of playmaking made it difficult for South Carolina to key in on any one player.

A&M’s top scorer for the night was sophomore guard, Dexter Lewis, who finished with 18 points and was instrumental in stretching South Carolina’s defense. His ability to drive to the rim and convert while also knocking down outside shots kept the Gamecocks guessing throughout the game. However, it wasn’t just one player; Texas A&M had four other players score in double digits, further showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.

The inside presence of senior forward, Deandre Patterson, also gave Texas A&M the advantage in the paint. Patterson’s 12 rebounds, combined with his 14 points, helped the Aggies dominate the boards and outmuscle South Carolina inside. A&M controlled the glass throughout the game, limiting South Carolina’s opportunities for second-chance points. This was critical in keeping the Gamecocks from gaining any momentum.

Moreover, the Aggies’ bench was crucial. Texas A&M is a team that’s been known for its depth, and the contributions off the bench were vital to this victory. Freshman guard Malik Simmons came in and hit timely shots, and sophomore big man James Green added a spark in the second half, scoring 10 points and helping control the tempo. The bench production allowed the starters to stay fresh, particularly when the game got tight in stretches.

In contrast, South Carolina struggled to find consistent scoring options. While players like senior guard, Malik McDonald, tried to keep his team in the game with 15 points, the Gamecocks lacked the balance and depth that Texas A&M showcased. As a result, the Aggies were able to build a sizable lead and hold on for the win.

For Texas A&M, this balance is key as they continue their climb toward the top of the SEC standings. As they look ahead to tougher opponents, the ability to rely on multiple contributors will be crucial, especially in postseason play.

2. South Carolina’s Offensive Struggles and Inconsistencies

On the flip side, the most glaring issue for South Carolina in this game was their offensive struggles, which have unfortunately become a trend for the team in SEC play. Despite showing flashes of potential in their non-conference games, South Carolina’s offense has been largely disjointed and ineffective against the higher level of competition in the SEC.

Against Texas A&M, the Gamecocks were forced to play catch-up for much of the second half after an underwhelming first half, and they could not find their rhythm. The Gamecocks made just 39% of their field goals, a poor shooting percentage that reflected their inability to execute efficiently. Whether it was contested jumpers, rushed shots, or missed layups, South Carolina could not string together consistent offensive possessions.

One of the major factors in South Carolina’s offensive woes was their lack of ball movement. The Gamecocks often relied on isolation plays that were easily read by Texas A&M’s defense. South Carolina didn’t have enough off-the-ball movement to free up shooters or create space, allowing the Aggies to key in on their primary scorers.

As a result, Texas A&M’s defense was able to disrupt South Carolina’s offensive flow. The Aggies were excellent in defending the pick-and-roll and had a good understanding of when to switch on screens. Their ability to contain South Carolina’s best players limited their chances to create easy scoring opportunities.

Another contributing factor was South Carolina’s failure to convert on fast breaks. While they were able to generate turnovers and get out in transition on occasion, they lacked the finishing ability and missed several easy opportunities. In a game against a disciplined team like Texas A&M, these missed chances are costly, and they ultimately allowed the Aggies to extend their lead.

If South Carolina hopes to find success in the SEC, they must resolve these offensive issues. Their reliance on individual scoring rather than team-oriented play will not work against higher-caliber teams. Head coach Frank Martin will need to work with his team on better offensive execution, more ball movement, and improving their shooting percentage in order to be competitive in the conference.

3. Texas A&M’s Defensive Excellence

While Texas A&M’s offensive depth was certainly impressive, it was their defense that set the tone and allowed them to maintain control throughout the game. The Aggies played a lockdown defensive game, especially in the second half, where they stymied South Carolina’s attempts to generate offense and create a late-game rally.

One of the most telling statistics from the game was Texas A&M’s ability to limit South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities. The Gamecocks were outrebounded 41-28, and this disparity in rebounding highlighted the Aggies’ superior positioning and toughness on the boards. Texas A&M’s defensive rotations were quick, and they did not allow South Carolina to set up easy scoring chances.

Defensively, the Aggies’ perimeter defense was outstanding. South Carolina struggled to hit shots from the three-point line, making only 5-of-20 attempts (25%). Texas A&M’s perimeter defenders were in constant motion, communicating well and ensuring that shooters like Malik McDonald and Josh Lee had little room to operate. The Aggies’ defense on the ball was also aggressive, forcing turnovers that led to transition opportunities. Texas A&M capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 12 fast-break points, which kept the Gamecocks from building momentum.

Texas A&M’s defensive system under head coach Buzz Williams has consistently been one of the team’s strengths, and it continues to play a critical role in their success. As the Aggies move forward, they will need to keep up this level of defensive intensity in order to maintain their high ranking and secure a spot near the top of the SEC.

Conclusion

Texas A&M’s 76-62 victory over South Carolina was a comprehensive and decisive win, reflecting both the Aggies’ strengths and South Carolina’s struggles. For Texas A&M, the balanced offensive attack, defensive tenacity, and depth proved to be too much for the Gamecocks, who were unable to match the intensity and execution of the ranked team. With this win, Texas A&M remains firmly in the upper echelon of the SEC and continues to look like a contender as they head into the second half of the season.

For South Carolina, however, the road ahead looks much tougher. The loss extends their winless streak in SEC play, and they must find a way to address their offensive inefficiencies, improve their shooting, and find more consistency if they hope to compete in this demanding conference. If they can learn from this loss and make the necessary adjustments, there is still time for a turnaround, but it will require significant improvement on both ends of the floor.

Ultimately, Texas A&M’s victory solidified their place as one of the top teams in the SEC, while South Carolina’s continued struggles underscore the work that still lies ahead for their program.