In a quarterfinal rematch with LSU, the Texas A&M women’s basketball team was defeated 71-65 despite a second-half comeback effort.
The Tigers proved too much to handle for the Aggies as LSU opened the game up on a 13-0 run. The Aggies could not get any shots to fall early, and the Tigers took a 24-5 lead with 11:40 remaining in the first half. A&M would eventually battle back, but its effort was neutralized by the Tigers’ ability to answer throughout the game.
LSU (17-12, 10-6 SEC) was led by junior guard Danielle Ballard, who finished the game with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 boards. This was her 13th straight game hitting double figures.
Texas A&M (23-9, 10-6 SEC) struggled early, shooting 2-for-18 from the field in the first 8:39 of the game. After that, it shot 54 percent from the floor.
Courtney Williams finished the game with 19 points, leading A&M in scoring, grabbing seven rebounds and contributing six assists. Another bright spot for the Aggies was sophomore guard Curtyce Knox — the birthday girl added 12 points.
Foul trouble plagued the Aggies in the second half with Courtney Walker sitting most of the second half on the bench with four fouls.
Early in the second half, the Aggies cut the lead to nine, and they appeared to have enough momentum to propel them. A three from Curtyce Knox and a quick jumper from Courtney Williams with a minute and a half left put the Aggies within three points. The Aggies continued to fight hard in the last seconds with Achiri Ade making a late three — a first in her career at Texas A&M. However, they were unable to surpass LSU to close out the game.
The Aggies next game will be on Mar. 20 in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Texas A&M’s opponent will be announced on Mar. 16 on ESPN’s tournament selection show at 7 p.m.