Aggies Host Panthers in Nonconference Finale

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Interstat) — The Texas A&M Aggies look to carry momentum into Southeastern Conference play when they host the Prairie View A&M Panthers in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Monday at Reed Arena.

The Aggies (9-3) enter on a two-game winning streak following a 118-77 rout of Texas A&M-Commerce on Dec. 21. Forward Rashaun Agee was dominant in that victory, scoring 21 points with eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks in just 19 minutes. Agee has been a consistent force, averaging 21 points in two of his last four games.

Texas A&M’s three losses have come against SMU, UCF and Oklahoma State, all by double digits. Their most impressive win is an 81-73 road victory at Pittsburgh on Dec. 2.

Prairie View (5-7) seeks a signature road win after falling 104-90 at LSU on Dec. 22. In that loss, guard Tai’Reon Joseph poured in 34 points, continuing a torrid scoring stretch. Joseph is averaging 25 points over his last five games, including a 31-point performance in a 124-62 win over Champion Christian on Dec. 6.

The Panthers’ offense, led by Joseph and guard Dontae Horne (24 points vs. LSU), can be potent but has struggled against high-major competition, with losses to LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Wichita State by an average of 28 points.

This game represents the final nonconference tune-up for both squads. Texas A&M opens SEC play at home against LSU on Jan. 3, while Prairie View begins Southwestern Athletic Conference action at Grambling on Jan. 3.

Monday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. CST at Reed Arena.