Wade Taylor IV Lights It Up as Texas A&M Fends Off South Carolina in Nail-Biter
COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 13 Texas A&M leaned on a red-hot Wade Taylor IV, who poured in 25 points and drilled seven three-pointers, matching his career high, to hold off South Carolina 76-72 on Saturday night.
Aggies Take Control, But Gamecocks Battle Back
At first, it looked like Texas A&M (17-5, 6-3 SEC) would cruise to victory. When Taylor sank his sixth three-pointer early in the second half, the Aggies built a 49-36 lead, seemingly putting the game out of reach.
But South Carolina (10-12, 0-9 SEC) refused to go down quietly. The Gamecocks ripped off an 11-0 run, clawing back into contention.
With 1.8 seconds left, Collin Murray-Boyles – who led South Carolina with 22 points – scored to cut the deficit to just 74-72. But Henry Coleman III sealed the deal at the free-throw line, icing the game for A&M.
Taylor’s Long-Range Clinic Powers Aggies
Taylor’s seven made threes tied his career best, a mark he first set last March in the NCAA Tournament against Nebraska.

Buzz Williams’ squad came out firing, hitting nine three-pointers in the first half alone—well above their season average of seven per game. The hot shooting helped A&M establish an early double-digit lead, a cushion they needed to withstand South Carolina’s comeback attempt.
If they can keep shooting like this, the Aggies will be a major force in the SEC.
Key Performers:
- Wade Taylor IV – 25 points, 7 three-pointers (career-high tying performance)
- Henry Coleman III – Clutch free throws, key putback in final minutes
- Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina) – 22 points, kept Gamecocks in the fight
Balanced Attack for A&M
Texas A&M saw all nine players who touched the floor contribute at least one basket. That depth, paired with Taylor’s electric shooting, was the difference-maker.
Looking Ahead:
- Texas A&M will have a week off before a tough road game at No. 20 Missouri on Feb. 8.
- South Carolina will also take a break before facing No. 12 Kentucky on Feb. 8, still searching for their first SEC win after a brutal stretch against six ranked opponents.
Final Thought:
Texas A&M showed elite shot-making and grit down the stretch. If they can keep up the three-point barrage, the rest of the SEC better take notice.