The Texas A&M men’s basketball team opened its preseason in style, defeating Arizona State 95–88 behind a 20-point performance from Zach Clemence on Sunday evening at the Fort Bend Epicenter.
The Aggies traded baskets with the Sun Devils throughout much of the game before Clemence caught fire late. With nine minutes remaining, the junior forward sparked a 12–2 run, knocking down one of his five 3-pointers to push A&M ahead 78–71. Arizona State briefly reclaimed the lead, but Ali Dibba’s three-point play and another Clemence triple swung momentum back to the Maroon & White for good.
Texas A&M never let the Sun Devils get closer than five points the rest of the way.
Rylan Griffen added 16 points, including 10 in the first half, to keep A&M within striking distance early. Rashaun Agee contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while Josh Holloway dished out an impressive nine assists to orchestrate the Aggie offense. Federiko Federiko also reached double figures with 11 points.
A&M’s sharp shooting proved the difference — the team hit 13-of-29 from beyond the arc and controlled the glass with a 44–34 rebounding edge.
The Aggies will officially tip off the regular season on Monday, Nov. 3, when they host Northwestern State at 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.
