Updated March 21, 2026, 6:15 p.m. CT

After defeating Saint Mary’s in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Texas A&M is faced with a monster task in the form of No. 2 Houston in the round of 32 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Saturday evening.

The debut of ‘Bucky Ball’ against the Gaels went exceptionally well, as the Aggies forced 18 turnovers, including two backcourt violations, while also shooting 44% from the field and 35% from 3-point range. Saint Mary’s, which entered the matchup against Texas A&M as the best rebounding and free-throw shooting team in the country, recorded just one more rebound than the Aggies (32-31) and went 4-of-11 from the charity stripe on Thursday night.

Graduate forward Rashaun Agee’s 22-point performance led the way for an impressive first-round outing from Texas A&M, but the Maroon and White are now faced with a tough roadblock on their way to the next round of March Madness.

The Houston Cougars are one of the most talented programs in college basketball, boasting a 29-6 overall record and finishing second in the Big 12 this season (14-6). Houston has won six of its last seven contests, including a 78-47 win over Idaho in the first round of the tournament.

Freshman Kingston Flemings is an elite guard who Texas A&M must slow down, as he enters the contest averaging 16.4 points per game. Flemings went 8-of-12 from the field for 18 points, six rebounds and two steals against the Vandals.

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If the Aggies can succeed in pressing Houston and keeping its dangerous shooters off-balance, this one could be one of the most entertaining and electric contests of the NCAA Tournament so far.

Follow along with live coverage of Texas A&M’s round of 32 matchup against Houston, with an opportunity to advance to the Sweet 16 hanging in the balance:

HALF: Texas A&M 28 | Houston 46

The Cougars go on a 24-2 run, while the Aggies go scoreless through seven minutes to close out the first half of the round of 32 matchup in Oklahoma City. Texas A&M is shooting just 34% from the field and 31% from 3-point range, while being out-rebounded 22-16. Houston shook off the press defense by speeding up the tempo and dominating inside, as Texas A&M continues to struggle matching the Cougars’ physicality.

The Aggies can’t find an answer for Houston’s physicality, as the Cougars’ 14-0 run gives them a 39-24 lead with 2:12 remaining in the half

Houston’s physicality and explosiveness have sparked a massive 14-0 run and 15-point lead for the Cougars.

Houston sparks a 10-0 run to lead Texas A&M 35-24 with 4:16 remaining in the first half

The Cougars are shooting 41% from the field and just 19% from 3-point range, but an electric 10-0 run has provided an 11-point lead with the first half coming to a close.

Clemence’s 3-pointer puts Texas A&M down just one point with 7:43 left in the first

Texas A&M’s backcourt pressure has caused some hesitation from Houston. The Cougars’ physicality is giving the Aggies some fits in the first half, as they have out-rebounded the Maroon and White 13-9.

Texas A&M closing in on Houston’s lead, down 25-21 with 8:37 remaining in the half

Holloway’s second 3-pointer of the contest, followed by his assist to Agee, puts the Aggies down just four points in the contest. Tempers have flared multiple times, with both teams getting physical.

Cougars’ physical play provides a 17-13 lead over the Aggies with 10:53 remaining in the first half

Houston has out-rebounded Texas A&M 12-6 so far, as they continue to garner second-chance opportunities from offensive rebounds. Vinson leads the Aggies with four points, while Sharp leads the Cougars with six.

Houston holds a 15-11 lead over Texas A&M

Back-to-back 3-pointers for the Cougars give them an early lead over the Aggies.

Starting lineups

Texa A&M:

G, Marcus HillG, Pop IsaacsG, Rylan GriffenF, Zach ClemenceF, Rashaun Agee

Houston:

G, Kingston FlemingsF/C, Chris Cenac Jr.G, Milos UzanF, Joseph TuglerG, Emanuel Sharp What do the metrics say? No new changes in the availability report before tonight’s game Hype video ahead of massive matchup against the Cougars 12th Man send-off Gameday in OKCTeam 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 – HoustonPoints Per Game: Kingston Flemings (16.4)Assist Per Game: Kingston Flemings (5.3)Rebounds Per Game: Chris Cenac Jr. (7.8)Steals Per Game: Kingston Flemings (1.6)What channel is Texas A&M vs. Houston on today?TV Channel: TNTLivestream: Sling TV

The Texas A&M vs. Houston game will be broadcast nationally on TNT. 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. Houston time todayDate: Saturday, March 21Start time: 5:10 p.m. CT

The Texas A&M vs Houston game starts at 5:10 p.m. CT from inside the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.

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