Houston Cougars advance in NCAA tournament in win against Texas A&M

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Texas A&M is out of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament after their defeat by Houston on Friday.

The Aggies couldn't keep up with the Cougars in the second-round game in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, losing with a final score of 57-88.

No. 10 A&M was down 28-46 to no. 2 Houston by the end of the first half, and never managed to bring it back during the second half.

The Cougars' dominance was apparent in statistics, with a 44% rate of field goals and an 80% rate of free throws. 

Key players for Houston

• Guard Emmanuel Sharp had 18 points and made 5 of 11 field goals.
• Forward Chris Cenac Jr. had 17 points and made 7 of 8 free throws.
• Guard Milos Uzan had 15 points and had four rebounds.

Key players for A&M

• Guard Josh Holloway had 12 points and scored 4 of 6 field goals.
• Guard Pop Isaacs had 8 points and made 5 of 6 free throws.
• Forward Rashaun Agee scored 7 points and got three rebounds.

What it means

With the loss, A&M drops from the tournament, and the Cougars are set to face the winner of Saturday's match between VCU and Illinois in a third-round game Thursday.