Stats, highlights, and reaction to Kentucky basketball vs Texas A&M slugfest

In a tightly contested and defensively charged first half, the Kentucky Wildcats managed to edge out the Texas A&M Aggies 35-32 heading into the break at Rupp Arena. Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm early, as physical defense set the tone for a scrappy opening half.

The Wildcats held a narrow 7-6 lead at the first media timeout after both teams connected on three-pointers. By then, the Aggies had shot just 2-for-7 from the field, while the Wildcats fared slightly better at 3-for-10.

Following the timeout, Texas A&M made the first significant push of the game. The Aggies embarked on an 8-0 run, capitalizing on Kentucky's shooting woes. The Wildcats endured a near five-minute scoring drought, broken only by an Amari Williams layup that trimmed the Aggies' lead to 18-14 with 7:30 remaining. Kentucky's offense sputtered, managing just one field goal over an eight-minute stretch.

The Wildcats clawed their way back into contention thanks to timely contributions from their bench and steady free-throw shooting. Koby Brea's pair of free throws cut the deficit to one, electrifying the Rupp Arena crowd. Moments later, Ansley Almonor drilled a three-pointer to tie the game at 22.

Texas A&M continued to rely on their outside shooting, with Solomon Washington leading the way. The Aggies hit seven first-half three-pointers, keeping them in the driver’s seat for much of the half. However, turnovers and fouls allowed Kentucky to stay within striking distance.

As the half wound down, Lamont Butler’s aggressive play helped steady Kentucky’s offense. After a technical foul assessed to Jaxson Robinson briefly swung momentum back to Texas A&M, Butler’s clutch free throws tied the game at 32. In the final moments, Brandon Garrison found Robinson for a deep three-pointer, giving Kentucky a 35-32 edge heading into the locker room.

Key Stats at the Half:

• Kentucky’s Free Throw Advantage: The Wildcats were a perfect 10-for-10 from the line, while the Aggies hit just 5 of their 9 attempts.
• Rebounding Battle: Kentucky narrowly out-rebounded Texas A&M 21-19, including a 14-12 edge on the defensive glass.
• Three-Point Shooting: The Aggies shot 38.9% (7-for-18) from beyond the arc, compared to Kentucky’s 29.4% (5-for-17).
• Points in the Paint: Kentucky dominated inside with a 10-4 advantage.

Despite sluggish shooting and periods of disjointed play, Kentucky’s ability to generate points from the line and stay composed late in the half has them positioned well for a strong second half. The Wildcats will look to improve their shooting efficiency while continuing to exploit the inside.

Texas A&M opened the half missing a 3, but Lamont Butler slipped and fell on the court then was hit in the face inadvertently. He goes to the bench and then to the locker room to have his shoulder looked at. Travis Perry now enters the game. Kentucky opened up with a 11-2 run to push the lead up to 12, including a couple of threes of Robinson and Perry, Kentucky up 46-34 with just under 16 minutes to go.

Lamont Butler back out on the floor, not favoring his shoulder is a welcome site to Cats fans, but a bad pass led to Garrison having to commit a foul to prevent a breakaway. Texas A&M unable to capitalize but Oweh with a thunderous dunk on the other end.

Texas A&M hanging in there, but the Cats are trying to pull away. Oweh shooting two free throws after the timeout Kentucky up 54-43. He missed both of them. The Cats just can not put away the Aggies who keep coming. 59-48 as we head to the under 8 timeout. The Aggies force a turnover and cut it to 7, 59-52. Kentucky in the middle of another drought as it's been almost 3 minutes since their last basket.

A couple of free throws from Williams and then a Jaxson Robinson jumper forced a Buzz Williams timeout as the lead is now back up to 10, 63-53. As the Teams continue to trade baskets, the Aggies are within striking distance with under 4 minutes to go, 66-58.

A flagrant foul on Texas A&M sent Brandon Garrison to the line for 2 which he made both, but on the ensuing inbounds the Aggies fouled him again, and his percentages showed up; he missed both of those.

The Aggies could never get any closer as the Cats pulled away in the end, winning 81-69.

Final Stats

Team Stats

Texas A&M Aggies:

Field Goals (FG): 23-58 (39.7%)
Three-Point Field Goals (3PT): 7-29 (24.1%)
Free Throws (FT): 16-25 (64.0%)
Rebounds (Total): 31
Offensive Rebounds: 11
Defensive Rebounds: 20
Assists: 4
Steals: 7
Blocks: 3
Turnovers: 12
Points Off Turnovers: 13
Fast Break Points: 12
Points in Paint: 22
Fouls: 23
Technical Fouls: 1
Flagrant Fouls: 0
Largest Lead: 7

Kentucky Wildcats:

Field Goals (FG): 24-52 (46.2%)
Three-Point Field Goals (3PT): 9-27 (33.3%)
Free Throws (FT): 24-31 (77.4%)
Rebounds (Total): 39
Offensive Rebounds: 12
Defensive Rebounds: 27
Assists: 19
Steals: 9
Blocks: 3
Turnovers: 16
Points Off Turnovers: 18
Fast Break Points: 16
Points in Paint: 28
Fouls: 22
Technical Fouls: 1
Flagrant Fouls: 0
Largest Lead: 14

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