East Texas A&M Stuns Oklahoma in Historic Season-Covering Upset first appeared in The News. Add The Toys News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
East Texas A&M walked into Oklahoma’s home arena as a 28.5 point dog. It left with a 68-64 win, the first victory in program history over a power-conference opponent and the second point-spread upset in Division I men’s basketball in 30 years, according to ESPN Research.
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The Lions’ breakthrough came in just their fifth season at the Division level. They controlled much of Monday night’s game, building a 34-25 halftime lead and extending their advantage to 16 at halftime. Oklahoma rallied to tie the score at 60, but East Texas A&M responded with the opening plays that set it up.
The Lions responded with a run
Bo Aldridge put East Texas A&M back in front with a basket with 2:33 remaining. Mohamed Diakite followed with two free throws and a run, helping the Lions build a six-point cushion. Oklahoma pulled within 66-64, but East Texas A&M got the last rebound and Aldridge made two free throws to complete the upset.
Aldridge led all scorers with 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting, adding five assists and three 3-pointers. Alonzo Dodd also made his mark from beyond the arc, hitting five 3s en route to 15 points. Diakite chipped in 15 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
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The result marked East Texas A&M’s first win over a current SEC opponent. The Lions also opened their season in the Victoria division for the first time with a run at the level.
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Oklahoma’s Slowest Start Made History
Before half-time, the contests began more quickly. Oklahoma made just one field goal over the final 6:53 of the first half and shot 29.6% from the field before the break. The Lions then opened the half with three 3-pointers to push the lead to 16.
Oklahoma struggled behind Pop Isaacs and Derrion Reid, who scored 15 and 14 points, respectively. But he couldn’t turn a quick comeback into the lead. They missed two free throws after tying the game late and had two chances to tie or go ahead in the final seconds.
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Afterward, coach Porter Moser apologized to the Oklahoma fans and said, “What you do, in a game like this, in basketball, we did what you beat.” Union will try to respond Friday against Mississippi Valley State. East Texas A&M heads to Rice on Thursday with a historic event already in hand.