#24 Texas A&M wears down Loyola Chicago

CONWAY, S.C. (Nov. 20, 2022) – Texas A&M scored the final seven points of the first half then opened the second half with an 11-5 run, and that was enough to propel the Aggies to a 67-51 victory over Loyola Chicago in the seventh-place game at the Myrtle Beach Invitational.

The victory enabled the Aggies (3-2) to avoid a winless trip to Myrtle Beach after arriving at the tournament undefeated and ranked No. 24 in the nation.

“I’ve done a poor job as a leader,” Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams said. “Over the last 36 hours we got back to what we’re supposed to be about.”

Loyola (2-3) had only eight assists in the game and committed 27 turnovers, which A&M turned into 26 points.

“It’s been brutal all year. I think we might lead the nation in turnovers,” Loyola coach Drew Valentine said. “Obviously we have to give Texas A&M credit because they did a good job with their pressure. But at this point, you can just do whatever pressure you want to and we’re going to give you the ball.”

Henry Coleman III scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds for the Aggies, Julius Marble had 11 points and five boards, and Wade Taylor IV added 10 points and four steals.

Philip Alston was the only Loyola player to score in double figures, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.