Texas A&M basketball’s 2026-2027 campaign officially kicks off next Tuesday, November 3, against Alabama State, but the Aggies have already delivered a high-stakes preview in their first live exhibition against SMU. Despite a 94-88 loss that carries no official record implications, the contest offered critical insights into Coach Bucky McMillan’s second season. The Aggies displayed flashes of elite potential, including a decisive 14-2 run that put them ahead 67-57 with just over nine minutes remaining. However, persistent turnover issues and late-game fouls allowed the Mustangs to capitalize from the free-throw line, ultimately erasing the Aggies’ lead in a game that served as a rigorous stress test for the newly formed roster.
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The centerpiece of the performance was former Kansas State guard PJ Haggerty, who emerged as the undisputed offensive engine for the Aggies. Haggerty led all scorers with 28 points, shooting an efficient 10-for-15 from the field and 8-for-10 from the charity stripe. Beyond his scoring prowess, he demonstrated his all-around value by recording four assists and four steals, showcasing the defensive versatility McMillan expects from his seven transfer additions. His performance validated the offseason investment in the guard position, proving he can carry the offensive load while disrupting opposing backcourts.
While the box score highlighted Haggerty’s brilliance, the narrative was briefly overshadowed by a concerning moment on the floor. According to multiple media members in attendance, including TexAgs’ Luke Evangelist, Haggerty nearly suffered a serious injury during the exhibition. Fortunately, the scare did not result in a significant setback, allowing the Aggies to move forward with their star guard healthy and ready for the regular season. As the team prepares to host Alabama State in Reed Arena, the combination of Haggerty’s proven scoring ability and the lessons learned from SMU’s late-game pressure provides a solid foundation for the upcoming campaign.
Source: Yahoo Sports
