In the NCAA South Regionals in Memphis, two teams from Texas impressed and advanced to the next round. Here are the recaps:
Texas A&M 98, Nebraska 83
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the NCAA tournament’s second session in Memphis, the Texas A&M Aggies faced off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Despite the overwhelming support for Nebraska from the fans, Texas A&M’s robust defense paved the way for a 98-83 victory, propelling them into the second round. The Aggies’ formidable rebounding prowess was on full display as they outmatched the Cornhuskers 40-28 on the boards.
Aggies’ head coach Buzz Peterson celebrated his inaugural NCAA Tournament win with Texas A&M, reflecting on the team’s journey and emphasizing the importance of direction and resilience. “I think we’re going in the right direction. This is our 29th week, and there’s been a lot of volatility. But I think there’s been great resolve and great resiliency within the group,” Peterson remarked, highlighting the balance between winning and the transformative impact on players’ lives.
Leading the charge for the Aggies (21-14) were Wade Taylor Jr. with 25 points, Manny Obaseki with 22 points, and Tyrese Radford, who notched a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Their efficient shooting (49 percent from the field and 13 of 23 three-pointers) and dominance in the paint (44 points) underscored a well-rounded performance.
On the other side, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (23-11), making their first NCAA tournament appearance in 11 years, were spearheaded by Brice Williams with 24 points and Keisei Tominaga with 21 points. Head coach Fred Hoiberg expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the foundational season that has set the stage for continued success and the imperative to sustain it.
Houston 86, Longwood 46
In the day’s final game, the Houston Cougars dismantled the Longwood Lancers 86-46, showcasing why they are among the favorites to win the championship. Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson praised the team’s culture and discipline, which have been integral to their success. “I never mention the seeding. I just talked about how we had to play,” Sampson stated, reflecting on the team’s focus and preparation.
The Cougars (22-11) were led by L J Cryer and Damon Dunn, each scoring 17 points, with significant contributions from Emanuel Sharp and Jamal Snead. Their dominant rebounding and sharpshooting (59 percent from the field and 11 of 23 from three-point range) were key factors in their commanding win.
Despite the effort, Longwood’s season ended with a tough loss. Coach Griff Aldrich commended Houston’s level of play and expressed pride in his team’s journey to the tournament and the resilience they’ve shown.
Looking ahead, the stage is set for an intriguing battle as Houston and Texas A&M prepare for their second showdown this season on Sunday at 7:40 pm, following their initial meeting in Houston which saw the Cougars emerge victorious (70-66).
This NCAA tournament session in Memphis has undoubtedly set the tone for exciting basketball, showcasing teams and players ready to etch their names into March Madness history.
