COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering second-half reversal, the Texas A&M Aggies overcame a double-digit deficit to edge the Mississippi Rebels 80-77 in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball clash Wednesday night at Reed Arena.

The Rebels, who led by as many as 12 points in the first half and took a 38-33 advantage into the break, saw their control of the game evaporate under a relentless Aggies interior assault and a cascade of their own missed opportunities down the stretch. The victory improved Texas A&M to 18-8 overall, while Mississippi fell to 11-15.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded over the final seven minutes, transforming what had been a back-and-forth affair into a dramatic finish. With Mississippi clinging to a 71-70 lead after a Malik Dia alley-oop from AJ Storr, the Aggies seized momentum with a decisive 8-0 run. The surge was fueled by the duo of Rashaun Agee and Ruben Dominguez. Dominguez, the sophomore from Spain, drained a crucial three-pointer with 2:46 remaining to give Texas A&M a 74-71 lead. Following a Mississippi turnover, Zach Clemence hit a tough turnaround jumper while being fouled, completing a three-point play to push the lead to 76-71 with just over two minutes left.

Mississippi, which had thrived on forcing turnovers and generating fast breaks all night, went cold when it mattered most. The Rebels missed their final five three-point attempts in the last two minutes. A Travis Perry steal gave them a chance down 78-75, but Storr’s potential game-tying three-pointer with 45 seconds left was off the mark. After Agee made two free throws with one second left to extend the lead to 80-75, a last-second tip-in by Mississippi’s Zach Day provided the final margin.

The Aggies’ victory was built on overwhelming dominance in the paint, where they outscored Mississippi 50-34, and a massive 13-3 advantage in offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points. Texas A&M attempted 20 free throws to Mississippi’s 15, capitalizing on their physical play inside. Despite committing 13 turnovers, which Mississippi converted into 20 points, the Aggies’ efficiency near the basket and on the glass proved decisive.

Mississippi’s first-half performance showcased their preferred style. They forced eight Aggie turnovers, leading to 12 fast-break points, and shot 52 percent from the field. Dia was a force early, scoring 14 of his 20 points before halftime. Storr, the Rebels’ leading scorer, finished with a team-high 21 points, while Ilias Kamardine added 12 points, four assists and relentless defensive activity over his 40 minutes.

Texas A&M’s comeback was a collective effort, led by Agee’s 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Dominguez provided a pivotal spark off the bench with 13 points, including two second-half three-pointers during the Aggies’ crucial runs. Clemence added 14 points and Marcus Hill chipped in 14, with much of his production coming at the rim.

The Rebels’ statistical profile highlighted their aggressive, disruptive approach but also their shortcomings. They recorded eight steals and three blocks, and their offensive rating of 114.7 on 67 possessions indicated efficient scoring when they executed. However, their 7-of-25 shooting from three-point range, including key late misses, and their inability to secure defensive rebounds against the bigger Aggies lineup ultimately cost them the game.

Texas A&M, which entered as a 10-point favorite according to sportsbooks, saw the total score of 157 fall just under the betting over/under line of 154.5. The Aggies will look to build on this comeback win as they travel to face Oklahoma on Saturday. Mississippi, mired in a five-game losing streak, returns home to host Florida on Saturday, seeking to halt its slide.