Texas A&M basketball coach Bucky McMillan emerged from the thumping music shaking the walls of a celebratory Aggies locker room and plopped in front of the microphone to issue a straight-faced, matter-of-fact dissection of his team’s victory over the Texas Longhorns. 

But McMillan, now more than halfway through his debut season leading the Aggies, knows his audience. Toward the end of his media session, he tossed some chum in the water. 

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“I totally understand rivalry games,” he said following a 74-70 Aggies win at the Moody Center. “I totally understand fan bases. I love our fan base. I want all the Aggies back in College Station, the best city in the state, to celebrate really hard tonight.” 

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) dunks the as Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) leaps to defend during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) dunks the as Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) leaps to defend during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Marcus Hill (0) smiles before heading to the locker room after beating the Texas Longhorns in the Lone Star Showdown 74-70, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Marcus Hill (0) smiles before heading to the locker room after beating the Texas Longhorns in the Lone Star Showdown 74-70, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) battles defense from Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) battles defense from Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) celebrates scoring under pressure during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) celebrates scoring under pressure during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) dunks as Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) defends during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) dunks as Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) defends during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) brings the rebound down during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) brings the rebound down during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller sings “The Eyes of Texas” after dropping the first game in the Lone Star Showdown to Texas A&M 74-70 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller sings “The Eyes of Texas” after dropping the first game in the Lone Star Showdown to Texas A&M 74-70 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) celebrates as the game draws to a close during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) celebrates as the game draws to a close during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) jumps to block an attempt from Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) jumps to block an attempt from Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) puts the ball up during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) puts the ball up during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) battles Texas A&M defense during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) battles Texas A&M defense during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) brings the rebound down during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) brings the rebound down during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) blocks an attempt in the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) blocks an attempt in the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) fouls Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) fouls Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) looks for a pass during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) looks for a pass during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8), forward Dailyn Swain (3) and guard Jordan Pope (0) go for the same rebound over Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8), forward Dailyn Swain (3) and guard Jordan Pope (0) go for the same rebound over Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) shoots a free throw during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) shoots a free throw during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller yells to his team during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller yells to his team during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) battles Texas A&M Aggies guard Marcus Hill (0) for the rebound during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) battles Texas A&M Aggies guard Marcus Hill (0) for the rebound during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Josh Holloway (1) dribbles the ball during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Josh Holloway (1) dribbles the ball during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts the ball up during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts the ball up during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies head coach Bucky McMillan signals to his team during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Bucky McMillan signals to his team during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets ready to shoot a free throw during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets ready to shoot a free throw during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) puts the ball up over defense from Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) puts the ball up over defense from Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) looks for a pass as Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) runs to defend during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) looks for a pass as Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) runs to defend during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) shoots for three over Texas A&M Aggies guard Ruben Dominguez (9) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) shoots for three over Texas A&M Aggies guard Ruben Dominguez (9) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) protects the ball from Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) protects the ball from Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) puts the ball up as the Texas defense watches during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) puts the ball up as the Texas defense watches during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) drives past defense from Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) drives past defense from Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots for three during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots for three during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) battles Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) for the rebound during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) battles Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) for the rebound during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) is fouled as he goes up during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) is fouled as he goes up during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) shoots for three as Texas A&M Aggies guard Marcus Hill (0) leaps to block during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) shoots for three as Texas A&M Aggies guard Marcus Hill (0) leaps to block during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns sing “The Eyes of Texas” after dropping the first game in the Lone Star Showdown to Texas A&M 74-70 at the Moody Center in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns sing “The Eyes of Texas” after dropping the first game in the Lone Star Showdown to Texas A&M 74-70 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller watches the game during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller watches the game during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Josh Holloway (1) brings the ball down as his team sets up a play during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Josh Holloway (1) brings the ball down as his team sets up a play during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) blocks an attempt from Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) blocks an attempt from Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller gestures to his team during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller gestures to his team during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots for three points during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots for three points during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Ali Dibba (6) puts the ball up as Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) defends during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Ali Dibba (6) puts the ball up as Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) defends during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) puts the ball up over Texas A&M Aggies forward Zach Clemence (7) and guard Ali Dibba (6) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) puts the ball up over Texas A&M Aggies forward Zach Clemence (7) and guard Ali Dibba (6) during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Ali Dibba (6) drives to the hoop as Texas Longhorns forward Camden Heide (5) defends during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Ali Dibba (6) drives to the hoop as Texas Longhorns forward Camden Heide (5) defends during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets the ball up under defense from Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets the ball up under defense from Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Moody Center of Lone Star Showdown as Texas takes on Texas A&M, Jan. 17, 2026.

The Moody Center of Lone Star Showdown as Texas takes on Texas A&M, Jan. 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) brings the rebound down during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) brings the rebound down during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets the ball up under defense from Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets the ball up under defense from Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets ready to shoot a free throw during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) gets ready to shoot a free throw during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots for three as Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) leaps to defend during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots for three as Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) leaps to defend during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) dribbles during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) dribbles during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) watches as Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) puts the ball in during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) watches as Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) puts the ball in during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) dribbles the ball during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) dribbles the ball during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) eyes the basket under defense from Texas A&M Aggies guard Ruben Dominguez (9) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) eyes the basket under defense from Texas A&M Aggies guard Ruben Dominguez (9) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) looks to get the ball up as Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) defends during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) looks to get the ball up as Texas A&M Aggies forward Rashaun Agee (12) defends during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots the ball as Texas A&M Aggies guard Ali Dibba (6) defends during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots the ball as Texas A&M Aggies guard Ali Dibba (6) defends during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) looks for a way through the Texas A&M defense during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) looks for a way through the Texas A&M defense during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies head coach Bucky McMillan talks to Texas A&M Aggies guard Ruben Dominguez (9) before he subs into the game during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Bucky McMillan talks to Texas A&M Aggies guard Ruben Dominguez (9) before he subs into the game during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots the ball during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) shoots the ball during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) evades a screen to defend Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) evades a screen to defend Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) sinks a free throw with 7.5 seconds left in the game during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) sinks a free throw with 7.5 seconds left in the game during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe ball slides through the net during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

The ball slides through the net during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) celebrates a dunk over Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas A&M Aggies forward Jamie Vinson (4) celebrates a dunk over Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) comes out of the game during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) comes out of the game during the first half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) shoots a free throw during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) shoots a free throw during the second half of Lone Star Showdown, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin. Texas A&M won the game 74-70.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

McMillan’s opinions on College Station and Austin are certainly up for debate. Here’s what’s not: In the first Lone Star Showdown meeting between two first-year coaches, McMillan and Texas’ Sean Miller, the coach from College Station executed his winning blueprint more effectively. 

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller sings “The Eyes of Texas” after dropping the first game in the Lone Star Showdown to Texas A&M 74-70 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller sings “The Eyes of Texas” after dropping the first game in the Lone Star Showdown to Texas A&M 74-70 at the Moody Center in Austin.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

“They outclassed us,” Miller said. “They were the better team from start to finish.” 

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Miller is in his 21st season as a Division I head coach. His methods — broadly — can be considered traditional. 

McMillan’s approach to winning is anything but. He deploys an intense style that depends on the full-court press and requires heavy rotation. He used it to win a pair of regular-season Southern Conference championships at Samford, a private school with an enrollment of just over 6,000 in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. 

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Saturday, it translated to the big stage. Not because the full-court press tormented the Longhorns — Texas (11-7, 2-3 SEC) only turned the ball over eight times. But because the Aggies’ depth and intense approach better equipped them to meet the physical and mental demands of the game. 

Ten Texas A&M players saw the floor against the Longhorns. Only one, Rashaun Agee, played more than 30 minutes. Texas, comparatively, uses an eight-man rotation by design. That meant Miller asked Jordan Pope (33 minutes), Dailyn Swain (37), Tramon Mark (32) and Matas Vokietaitis (30) to each play at least 75% of the game. 

“They have a lot of bodies that they can throw at us, trying to wear us out,” Pope, who scored 17 points Saturday, said. “But at the same time, this is what we signed up for. High-level players, high-level conference. We’ve been playing basketball a long time. We can’t get worn out in 30 or 40 minutes if we want to compete at the highest level. 

“I think in that second half, we’ve got to do a better job in terms of executing defensive schemes and coverages.”

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Miller, too, questioned his team’s mental fortitude. He knows his players are physically well conditioned, he said. But, against a Texas A&M team capable of throwing fresh players into the fray all the time, could the Longhorns weather the inevitable mental fatigue coming their way?

In the second half, the answer was no. Texas allowed the Aggies (14-4, 4-1) to shoot 60% from the field and sent the visitors to the free-throw line 14 times. Even after a solid enough first half, that translated into the Longhorns’ worst defensive display by effective field goal percentage since a loss to UConn on Dec. 12. 

McMillan, from the second-half jump, sensed he had the fresher team. One team attacked. The other trudged. 

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“My message to those guys all the way through the end was to play like we’re down by 8 to 10 points,” McMillan said. 

His team obliged. And McMillan gave them some help with his clipboard and dry-erase marker, too, drawing up a handful of plays that completely negated the Texas defense and allowed the Aggies open looks at the rim. 

“We spotted them six or eight points just on those three or four set play calls,” Miller said. “That’s concentration. That’s coaching. That’s making sure your guys are ready for it.

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“That was a big reason we lost today. It was too easy for them.”