
Texas A&M
(+6.5)

Alabama
(-6.5)
Highlights
Extended Summary
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — In a Southeastern Conference shootout defined by relentless offense and a staggering 29 combined 3-pointers, Aden Holloway’s clutch performance in the final minute lifted Alabama to a dramatic 100-97 victory over Texas A&M on Wednesday night at a raucous Coleman Coliseum. The game, which saw 13,474 fans witness a breathtaking display of efficiency from both teams, was not decided until the final possession. With the score tied at 97 and under 30 seconds remaining, Alabama’s Labaron Philon missed a jumper, but the Crimson Tide retained possession. On the ensuing inbounds play, Holloway, a guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, drove hard to the basket, scored a layup while being fouled, and completed the three-point play with 22.2 seconds left to give Alabama a 100-97 lead. Texas A&M had two chances to tie in the final seconds. First, Jacari Lane’s 3-point attempt from the top of the key missed with 7 seconds left. The Aggies secured the offensive rebound and called timeout to set up a final play. Out of the stoppage, Rylan Griffen’s contested 3-pointer from the right wing at the buzzer missed everything, sealing the Crimson Tide’s narrow escape. The contest was an offensive masterpiece from the opening tip, with both teams trading blows in a first half that ended deadlocked at 46. The second half escalated into a track meet, featuring 12 lead changes and six ties. Alabama’s ability to generate extra possessions proved critical, as they dominated the offensive glass 12-5, leading to a 23-12 advantage in fast-break points and a 19-9 edge in second-chance points. Holloway finished with a game-high 20 points, including the decisive three-point play, to lead Alabama. He was one of five Crimson Tide players in double figures. Labaron Philon of Mobile added 17 points, while Latrell Wrightsell of Omaha, Nebraska, chipped in 16, including four 3-pointers. Amari Allen of Green Bay, Wisconsin, provided a versatile line of 12 points and six assists. Texas A&M was led by a powerful 21-point effort from Chicago native Rashaun Agee, who also added three assists. Rylan Griffen of Dallas scored 17, and Marcus Hill of Rockford, Illinois, contributed 18 off the bench. The Aggies were efficient, shooting 49.2% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc, but were ultimately undone by Alabama’s volume shooting from deep and superior work on the boards. Alabama attempted a staggering 48 3-pointers, making 16, while Texas A&M countered by hitting 13 of 31 from long range. The pace was frenetic, with the teams combining for only 12 total turnovers. Alabama’s offensive rating of 127.9 points per 100 possessions narrowly edged out Texas A&M’s mark of 122.3, reflecting the high-level execution throughout the night. The win improves Alabama to 15-7 overall and provides a crucial bounce-back victory after a 23-point road loss at Florida last Sunday. Texas A&M, which entered the game having won five of its last six, falls to 17-5. The Aggies had their three-game winning streak snapped. The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final half-minute. After Marcus Hill’s driving layup tied the game at 97 with 15 seconds remaining, Alabama advanced the ball without a timeout. Holloway took the inbounds pass, attacked the left side of the lane against tight defense, and finished a difficult, high-arcing shot over a defender while drawing the foul. His subsequent free throw provided the final margin and capped a performance where Alabama, a 6.5-point pregame favorite, needed every bit of its home-court advantage to survive. Alabama next travels to face rival Auburn on Saturday. Texas A&M returns home to host Florida, also on Saturday.