Texas A&M
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Texas A&M-Commerce
Men's Basketball Downs Lions in Exhibition
Nov 05, 2014 | Men's Basketball
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Led by Jalen Jones' 16 points, six Aggies reached double-digit scoring Wednesday night at Reed Arena as the Texas A&M men's basketball team defeated Texas A&M-Commerce 80-71 in exhibition action.
The game was a tight affair throughout with neither team able to pull away until the Aggies gained the upper hand midway through the second half.
Junior Alex Caruso, who led the SEC in assists a year ago, dished out eight dimes in the contest to go along with 12 points and five rebounds. Fellow returner Kourtney Roberson, meanwhile, approached a double-double as the Arcadia, La., product finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Sophomore forward Davonte Fitzgerald added 13 points, going 3-for-4 from 3-point range, as he returns from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2013-14 campaign.
Spearheaded by Jones, who grabbed nine rebounds along with his team-leading point total, the fresh faces on the Texas A&M roster made their presence known Wednesday night. Rookie point guard Alex Robinson went 8-of-12 from the free throw line to contribute 14 points while fellow freshman Peyton Allen hit a trio of 3-pointers to finish with 13 points.
After leading 31-30 at the intermission, the Texas A&M-Commerce advantage swelled to seven with 10:02 to play before the Aggies countered with a 9-0 spurt to take a two-point advantage at 60-58 with just over seven minutes remaining in the contest.
The Aggie defense stiffened during the game's final 11 minutes, keeping the Lions from scoring a field goal for over seven minutes as the Maroon & White went on a 21-10 run to take four-point lead.
Capped off by a two-handed dunk by Jones, Texas A&M took control of the contest with a 9-0 run that built a seven-point advantage, 69-62, with 4:37 to play in the contest.
The Lions were led in the contest by senior Christian Macauley, who notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards.
At halftime the Lions held a 31-30 advantage, while the Aggies outscored the visitors 49-39 over the games' final 20 minutes.
The Aggies will officially christen the 2014-15 season at Reed Arena next Friday, Nov. 14, when they entertain Northwestern State in a 7 p.m. contest. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Players Mentioned
