Spring Break
Aggies dominate Sooners on senior night, 73-59
By: Travis Yoesting
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: News
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The Aggies jumped to an early 16-5 lead and never looked back. On her 21st birthday, Danielle Gant scored 21 points and added 12 rebounds to lead Texas A&M to their sixth straight win.
"21st birthday, 21 points; there's your headline right there," Head Coach Gary Blair said after the game. "Ya'll need a headline writer?"
"It's just a regular game to me," Gant said. She did admit that it gave her bragging rights.
Texas A&M went on a 12-3 run to open the second half and break open the game, keyed by a four-point possession in the first minute. La Toya Micheaux scored a layup and was fouled. When she missed the free throw, Morenike Atunrase grabbed the rebound and threw in a jumper.
Although Oklahoma center Courtney Paris scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, the Aggie defense shut her down for most of the game. Paris did not score a field goal in the second half until 4:50 remained in the game.
Paris added to her record consecutive double-double streak. However, she did not grab her 10th rebound until 1:50 remained in the game.
"I'm glad she got it, because of what she means to this game," Blair said after the game. "I want the 'W.' I hope Courtney can keep her double-double streak going."
The Aggies shut down the OU offense for much of the second half and built the lead to 62-36 with 7:15 to play. OU was held to 34.7 percent shooting on the night, compared to 44.6 percent shooting by A&M.
Both teams now look toward the Big 12 tournament to be held in Kansas City next week. With the win, the Aggies locked the fourth seed and a first-round bye. They will play the winner of the OU-Missouri game Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
"Slate's clean, everyone starts at square one," said Oklahoma Head Coach Sherri Coale. "It's anybody's baby."
"We just want to do better than what we've done the last couple years," said Blair, who was not looking forward to a possible rematch with OU in the second round. "I'm not excited at all that we have to play [OU] again so soon."
Before the game, five seniors were honored as part of senior night. Seniors Morenike Atunrase, A'Quonesia Franklin and Patrice Reado had strong performances in their last game at Reed Arena. Katy Pounds and LaToya Gulley did not play because of injuries.
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