21-Point Comeback Not Enough for Texas A&M Basketball vs. #4 Houston

Taylor Explodes for 34 versus Nation's Top Defense, but Texas A&M Basketball Can't Close the Deal Against Houston

Texas A&M basketball, in the midst of a now 2-4 six-game stretch, dropped a four-point game to the #4 Houston Cougars today after a valiant comeback attempt fell just short. Wade Taylor poured in a huge effort, really waking up in the second half, but it was not to be.

Texas A&M basketball came into this matchup ready for a battle, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead before the Cougars began to apply their pressure. UH lead by as many as 21 in the second half, but the Aggies began to mount a comeback. They eventually climbed all the way up the mountain to tie the game at 63, but the Cougars hit two straight shots to pull back ahead by 5.

At that point, things seemed bleak, but an off-balance three-pointer by Taylor brought the Aggies within 2 points. The Cougars then botched an in-bounds play to give Texas A&M basketball possession; Taylor missed a 3 that was rebounded by Coleman, who was fouled under the basket. Unfortunately, he missed both foul shots, and the ending was all but written by then.

It was truly an admirable effort from Taylor, who simply could not be stopped in the second half. He was responsible for more than half the Aggie points against the top defense in the nation; no other Texas A&M basketball player scored more than 7.

This caps off a rough end to a very challenging non-conference slate, as the Aggies have now dropped games to Virginia, Memphis, and Houston in their past four contests. They did get a decisive win over a very poor DePaul team in there, but that won't go very far come selection Sunday.

This was a missed opportunity, but there were also reasons to be encouraged. Taylor really seemed to look like the player we were all anticipating coming into the year after a somewhat slow start to the season so far. His continued growth will be key as the conference slate remains ahead of the Aggies, with only two games remaining before the Maroon and White open up SEC play against LSU on January 6.