Full Breakdown
Texas A&M Aggies Upset Saint Mary's in NCAA Tournament First Round
3/21/2026, 9:30:16 AM
Aggies Dominate with Defensive Prowess
In a surprising turn of events, the No. 10 seed Texas A&M Aggies defeated the No. 7 seed Saint Mary's Gaels 63-50 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Aggies, who entered the tournament as underdogs, showcased an impressive defensive performance, forcing 18 turnovers and limiting Saint Mary's to a season-low 50 points.
Texas A&M started strong, quickly establishing a 9-0 lead. The Aggies maintained control throughout the game, leading by as much as 20 points in the second half. Rashaun Agee led the Aggies with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rubén Dominguez contributed 11 points, including three crucial three-pointers that helped extend the lead before halftime.
Key Factors in the Aggies' Victory
The Aggies' defensive strategy was pivotal in their victory. Texas A&M's full-court press disrupted Saint Mary's rhythm from the outset, forcing a 10-second violation on the Gaels' first possession. The Aggies' aggressive defense not only stifled Saint Mary's offensive flow but also capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 14 points.
Despite facing a height disadvantage against a Saint Mary's team that featured multiple players over 7 feet tall, Texas A&M outscored the Gaels in the paint 28-12. Agee's performance was complemented by contributions from the bench, including Ali Dibba, who added nine points and three steals.
Saint Mary's Struggles
Saint Mary's, which had entered the tournament as the regular-season champions of the West Coast Conference, struggled to find its footing. The Gaels shot 38.3% from the field and were particularly ineffective at the rim, finishing just 4-for-12 on two-point attempts. Their leading scorer, Paulius Murauskas, who averaged 18.8 points per game, was held to just four points due to an illness that prevented him from starting.
Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett acknowledged the team's poor performance, stating, "We did a poor job taking care of the ball, which we know better than that. Did a poor job on the boards and we did poor offensively."
Official Statements & Responses
Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan expressed pride in his team's effort, noting, "It was an elite defensive game by our guys in every facet of the game." He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they prepare for their next matchup against the winner of the Houston-Idaho game.
What's Next for the Aggies
With this victory, Texas A&M advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, marking their third consecutive trip to this stage. They will face the No. 2 seed Houston, who defeated Idaho 78-47 in their first-round game. The Aggies aim to continue their momentum and seek revenge against Houston, who eliminated them in the second round two years ago.
As the tournament progresses, Texas A&M's performance against Saint Mary's serves as a testament to their resilience and determination under McMillan's leadership, setting the stage for a potentially deep run in March Madness.
