SMU Edges Texas A&M in High-Scoring Exhibition as Mustangs Build Momentum
Updated: 3 days ago
DALLAS, Texas — SMU found a way to close when it mattered most, edging Texas A&M 94–88 in a high-scoring exhibition matchup at Moody Coliseum on October 25. In a game that featured momentum swings and late-game pressure, the Mustangs delivered in the closing seconds to secure a statement win before the regular season.
Texas A&M appeared poised to take control after building a double-digit second-half lead, but SMU responded with timely scoring and took advantage of the Aggies’ foul trouble. The result gave both teams a valuable test against quality competition while highlighting areas each side will need to address before the games begin to count.
PJ Haggerty Powers Texas A&M’s Offense
Texas A&M guard PJ Haggerty led the Aggies with 28 points, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 8-of-10 at the free-throw line. Jordan Pope added 15 points, while Mackenzie Mgbako finished with 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Haggerty’s efficient scoring kept Texas A&M competitive throughout the afternoon. The Aggies also showed resilience after a difficult start, using an 11–2 run late in the first half to pull within one before taking a 37–35 lead into halftime.
The Aggies carried that momentum into the second half, putting together a 14–2 run that pushed them ahead 67–57 with 9:04 remaining. At that point, Texas A&M appeared to have created the separation needed to finish the exhibition with a victory.
SMU Finds Its Opening Late
The Mustangs refused to let the deficit determine the outcome. After Texas A&M built its advantage, SMU quickly cut into the lead and turned the final minutes into a close contest.
The decisive stretch came at the free-throw line. With 38 seconds remaining, four consecutive SMU free throws helped put the Mustangs ahead 84–82. Texas A&M attempted to respond, including a late three-pointer from Pope, but SMU repeatedly converted at the line to preserve its advantage.
The Mustangs made nine consecutive free throws in the final 26 seconds, closing out the six-point victory. Their late execution proved decisive in a game where neither team maintained control for long stretches.
Fouls Become a Difference-Maker
For Texas A&M, the closing minutes exposed a problem that could become costly during the regular season: allowing opponents to generate points at the free-throw line. Aggies head coach Bucky McMillan pointed to fouling as a key lesson from the exhibition, noting that SMU scored 43 points at the line.
Despite the loss, Texas A&M showed offensive promise. The Aggies generated a strong second-half scoring surge and received productive performances from Haggerty, Pope and Mgbako. Their challenge now is to pair that production with better discipline when games tighten late.
SMU, meanwhile, demonstrated the value of staying composed when trailing. The Mustangs’ late response and ability to convert free throws under pressure provided an encouraging finish to their preseason preparation.
What Comes Next?
Both programs will now turn their attention to the regular season. Texas A&M is scheduled to open at home against Alabama State on November 3 at Reed Arena. The Aggies will look to build on their offensive production while improving their defensive discipline.
For SMU, the exhibition offered an opportunity to test its ability to close a competitive game against a major-conference opponent. While exhibition results do not count toward the regular-season record, the Mustangs can take confidence from their late-game execution as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Final Score: SMU 94, Texas A&M 88 — Exhibition, October 25, 2026.
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