@Razorbackwbb Downed By No. 15/16 Aggies
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The University of Arkansas women’s basketball team had its three-game winning streak in Southeastern Conference play snapped Thursday night at Reed Arena, falling to No. 15/16 Texas A&M by a final tally of 59-55. Arkansas drops to 14-9 and 4-7 SEC, while the Aggies jump to 19-6 and 7-4 SEC.
The conference’s leading duo of sophomores Jessica Jackson and Kelsey Brooks were at it again, combining for 32 points, including a game-high 19 from Jackson. Senior Jhasmin Bowen poured in 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Jackson, Brooks, and Bowen combined for 45 of the team’s 55 points.
Arkansas has lost both games to Texas A&M this season by a combined six points.
As a team, Arkansas shot 38 percent compared to A&M’s 40 percent. The board battle was even at 40 apiece.
Trailing by seven at halftime and by as many as 10 in the second half, Arkansas trimmed the lead down to a single possession on multiple occasions down the stretch. The Razorbacks had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead with 27 seconds remaining, but the possession resulted in a turnover and A&M was able to ice the game at the free throw line.
Arkansas opened the game making five of its first seven shots, holding an early 12-8 lead. The Razorbacks cooled off after that initial stretch, shooting 27 percent in the first frame.
Opening the second half, Texas A&M appeared poised to extend its lead, but Arkansas kept fighting and hanging around, aided by its 54 percent second-half shooting. The Razorbacks cut the lead to two with 7:30 left, but A&M responded with a 7-2 run to go up seven at the under four media timeout. Arkansas clawed back, coupling timely baskets from Brooks and Jackson with defensive stops. Arkansas’ final rally, however, would come up short as the Razorbacks lost their fourth SEC game by a single-digit margin.
Courtney Williams had 15 points to lead Texas A&M and Courtney Walker chipped in 14.
The Razorbacks will play their penultimate road game of the regular season Sunday afternoon, when they travel to Auburn, Ala., to take on the Tigers. Tip is set for 1 p.m. and will be broadcasted nationally on SEC Network.
POST GAME NOTES
– Bowen, Brooks, and Jackson all finished in double figures, the 17th time Arkansas has had three or more players with 10+ points. For Bowen it was her 11th time in double digits, Brooks her 20th time and for Jackson it was her 16th time
– Brooks and Jackson entered the game averaging 29.0 points combined and the duo combined for 32 points against A&M, the 10th time this season they have combined for 30 or more points.
– Senior Calli Berna played all 40 minutes, the fourth time this season she’s recorded 40 or more minutes.
