The Texas A&M Aggies opened SEC play with a gritty 75–72 win over the LSU Tigers in front of a charged Reed Arena crowd.
In a game where both teams struggled from the field, the Aggies found their edge on the glass, outrebounding LSU by eight—a margin that ultimately proved decisive. Earlier this season, a similar late‑game scenario unraveled into overtime against SMU, resulting in one of A&M’s three losses. This time, the Aggies closed cleaner, protected the slim lead, and finished the job.
Saturday also marked the first time in a while that head coach Bucky McMillan tightened the rotation, going just three deep into his bench for extended minutes. One thing is becoming increasingly clear: senior Rashaun Agee is the floor general of this team, and McMillan is going to keep him on the court for as long as he can manage. Agee brings a toughness and physical presence that A&M doesn’t have when he’s off the floor.
It wasn’t always pretty, but it was a strong indication that “Bucky Ball” can work when the Aggies execute at a high level. It’s only one game, but it was a big one—and they delivered it in front of the 12th Man.
Below is everything Coach Bucky, guard Ali Dibba, and center/forward Rashaun Agee had to say after the game.
Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan on overall thoughts on the game
“It was a good game. We lost the SMU late by not executing our press break. We executed it tonight. We won the rebounding battle while being smaller. Our guys fought so hard. We’re going to have to fight so hard to overcome our size.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on the defense
“We’re in better shape now to continue to play defense. We found enough stops to give us a chance. Our guys have to commit to playing as hard as they can for as long as they can. We were fresh for the majority of the game.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on the team’s identity
“We’ve got to be us. There can’t be any confusion on what we are. We’re a three-point shooting team and a full court pressing team. We’ve got to be who we are. It helped us play to our identity.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on Ali Dibba
“Ali has his confidence going right now. He was a 17 point per game scorer in mid major basketball. With Mgbako out, we’re going to need guys to step up. He really stepped up on both sides of the ball.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on Rashaun Agee making key plays
“He’s about 50 years old. His eyes have seen it all. He’s got veteran eyes and has the loudest voice so he can call it out for his teammates.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on the importance of home games in SEC play
“The route to give yourself a chance is to take care of your home games. Thank you to everyone who came out. When the students get back, we’ve got to have them breathing down the other team’s neck. We can’t let those home games get away.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on Auburn
“Auburn is good. They’re long. They’re really good at home. They’ve got good one and one players and they’ll be hungry after losing a close one to Georgia.”
Texas A&M guard Ali Dibba on A&M’s bench production
“It’s just Bucky Ball. We know if you don’t start, you’re going to play good minutes. You just have to be ready when your number is called.”
Texas A&M guard Ali Dibba on his recent improvment
“I’m being more confident and knowing what I can do on the court. I’ve got teammates who have faith in me. It helps having teammates like this. I’ve picked it up on defense.”
Texas A&M forward Rashaun Agee on the defensive pressure
“In the last two minutes, they couldn’t get the ball past half court. we ramped up our pressure. I’m proud of our guys, we executed at a high level.”
Texas A&M forward Rashaun Agee on protecting the home court
LSU is a good team, but us being at home, we’ve got to let people know that it’s not easy to come here and win. This is our house and we’re going to protect home court by any means necessary.”
Texas A&M forward Rashaun Agee on his late bucket to take the lead
“We talked about Nwoko having four fouls. Knowing he was going to back off and not play defense, that’s what we expected.”
Texas A&M will travel to Alabama to face the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on Tuesday, January 6, at 8 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s Bucky McMillan and players speak after win vs. LSU
Reporting by Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
