Updated March 19, 2026, 9:17 p.m. CT
After having just one scholarship player on the roster when he was named the new head coach of Texas A&M basketball, Bucky McMillan led his squad to a 63-50 victory over Saint Mary’s in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Thursday night.
Texas A&M’s press defense was the story of the night, as the Aggies forced 18 turnovers and did not trail from the first buzzer to the final. After struggling to find a rhythm inside the paint throughout the season, McMillan’s unit secured 31 rebounds against the most elite rebounding team in college basketball in the win.
Graduate forward Rashaun Agee led the team with 22 points and nine rebounds in an outstanding performance against Saint Mary’s in the first round of March Madness. While Texas A&M was picked to finish 13th in the SEC during the preseason, this team proved how legit it can be when playing at its best on Thursday night.
Consistent shooting, elite rebounding and physicality inside the paint were keys entering the round of 64 matchup against the Gaels. The Aggies succeeded on every level against a hard-nosed, physical Saint Mary’s squad to advance in the NCAA Tournament in McMillan’s first year as the head coach of the program.
Against the 13th-tallest program in the country, Agee and the Aggies dominated. What took former Aggie head coach Buzz Williams five years to accomplish, McMillan has done in one year. While the job is far from finished and more basketball remains on tap for Texas A&M, this squad can compete against any team in the bracket with performances like Thursday’s victory over Saint Mary’s.
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Next up, No. 10 Texas A&M will face the winner of Houston-Idaho in the round of 32 on Saturday at the Paycom Center in OKC. The Cougars and Vandals play at 10:10 p.m. CT tonight on TruTV.
FINAL: Texas A&M 63 | Saint Mary’s 50
The Aggies dominate their way to a first-round victory over the Gaels and advance to the round of 32. Texas A&M shot 44% from the field and 35% from 3-point range, while forcing 16 turnovers. Now, the Maroon and White will face the winner of Houston-Idaho for the opportunity to reach the Sweet 16.
Aggies lead by 13 points with 3:32 left
Texas A&M is three minutes from reaching the round of 32 for the third consecutive season. Aggies have possession after the timeout.
Texas A&M leads Saint Mary’s, 54-42, with 7:24 remaining
Agee’s 3-pointer gives him 17 in the contest, as the Aggies remain in front with time dwindling.
Gaels are battling back, but Aggies still hold a 49-33 lead with 12:58 remaining
Agee and Dominguez have combined for 25 points in the contest so far, as Texas A&M holds a commanding 18-point lead.
Texas A&M leads 44-26 with 15:45 remaining in the second half
Saint Mary’s continues to struggle against Texas A&M’s press, while the Aggies are hitting 49% of shots from the field. The Aggies have forced 11 turnovers in the contest.
Pop Isaac’s 3-pointer and a layup from Ali Dibba give the Aggies a 16-point lead in the opening minutes of the second half
The Maroon and White picked up right where they left off from a successful first half, nailing a 3-pointer and a layup to extend the lead, 42-26, in the second half.
HALF: Texas A&M 37 | Saint Mary’s 26
The Aggies forced 11 turnovers in the first half to lead the Gaels by 11 entering the second half. Texas A&M is shooting 50% from the field and 30% from range, with Agee leading the way with 11 points so far. Dominguez nailed two 3-pointers in the final minute of the first half to extend the Aggies’ lead. The Maroon and White have all the momentum in Oklahoma City.
Dominguez knocks down back-to-back 3-pointers
Texas A&M leads 34-24 with a minute remaining after Dominguez drilled two 3-pointers.
Texas A&M holds a 28-22 lead over Saint Mary’s with 3:34 remaining in the half
The Aggies hold a six-point lead after Rubén Dominguez drilled a 3-pointer and Rylan Griffen’s layup.
Joshua Dent’s third 3-pointer cuts Texas A&M’s lead, 23-22, with 4:52 remaining in the first half
Aggies still hold the lead, but the Gaels’ 3-point shooting is keeping them well within reach.
Texas A&M has forced two backcourt violations, as the press continues to give Saint Mary’s fits early in the contest. The Aggies are shooting 50% from the field, but only 17% from 3-point range. The Maroon and White have forced five Saint Mary’s turnovers.
Texas A&M’s press causes Saint Mary’s to call a timeout down 15-13
The Aggies’ press defense is causing the Gaels some trouble early. Saint Mary’s has possession down two points.
Liam Campbell’s 3-pointer cuts the Aggies’ lead to 13-10
Agee will head to the free-throw line after the timeout with a three-point lead over the Gaels.
Texas A&M jumps out to a 9-2 lead over Saint Mary’s
‘Bucky Ball’ is in full effect in OKC, as the Aggies forced four turnovers through the opening four minutes of the first half. Graduate forward Rashaun Agee is a perfect 3-of-3 from the field with seven points and a rebound.
Juzenas to start for Murauskas, who is under the weather A&M starters Aggies getting loose Aggie faithful sends off the teamTeam Leaders – Texas A&MPoints Per Game: Rashaun Agee (14.7)Assist Per Game: Jacari Lane (3.2)Rebounds Per Game: Rashaun Agee (8.9)Steals Per Game: Rylan Griffen (1.6)Team Leaders – Saint Mary’sPoints Per Game: Paulius Murauskas (18.8)Assist Per Game: Joshua Dent (5.7)Rebounds Per Game: Andrew McKeever (9.2)Steals Per Game: Joshua Dent (1.6)What channel is Texas A&M vs. Saint Mary’s on today?TV Channel: TruTVLivestream: Sling TV
The Texas A&M vs. Saint Mary’s game will be broadcast nationally on TruTV. Brandon Gaudin, Chris Webber and Andy Katz will be on the call inside the Paycom Center. Streaming options for the game include Sling TV.
Texas A&M vs. St. Mary’s time todayDate: Thursday, March 19Start time: 6:35 p.m. CT
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