Buzz Williams’ Post Game Press Conference after Texas A&M defeats Tennessee 68-63
The 25th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies (21-7, 13-2 SEC) are by far one of the hottest teams in the college basketball landscape since the start of SEC play, going 15-2 since Christmas and winning their sixth straight game after defeating the 11th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 68-63 on Tuesday night.
Inside an absolutely packed Reed Arena with over 12,989 in attendance, The Aggies went toe to toe with one of the best defenses in the country, holding the Volunteers to 29% from 3-point territory with some of the best perimeter defense they’ve played all season while notching 9 steals forcing 16 turnovers on the night.
Led by the heroics of sophomore guard Wade Taylor IV, who scored a game-high 25 points, while going for a career-high 16-17 from the free throw line, junior forward Julius Marble also had one of his best games of the season, recording 21 points and 9 rebounds, and setting his own career high from the free throw line 9-13 from the stripe. As a team, the Aggies shot 39% from the field, and 26% from three, but went a combined 28-34 from the throw line, accounting for 41% of their offense on the night.
With the win, Texas A&M has won their 13th SEC game and are now just half a game out from a first-place finish in the conference, while also earning their 6th Quad victory after defeating Tennessee, making them a lock for the NCAA Tournament from here on out.
After the game, Head coach Buzz Williams spoke to the media to discuss the win, and the incredible atmosphere Reed Arena provided on such an important night for the program. Here’s what he had to say on the night.
Head coach Buzz Williams' opening statement
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Buzz Williams speaks with guard Wade Taylor IV (4) and guard Hayden Hefner (2) during a timeout against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“Over the last nine days, it’s a lot…my heart is tired. I think our players’ hearts are tired.”
Buzz Williams on the Aggies' continued fight against Tennessee
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4), guard Tyrece Radford (23) and Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka (11) dive for a loose during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I thought the fight, determination, togetherness and the spirit they played with was as best as I’ve seen it.”
Buzz Williams on Tennessee's performance
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka (11) and Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) dive for a loose during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“They’re hard to guard, very talented. #1 defense in the country. Big, strong, depth. Hall of fame coach, hall of fame staff.”
Buzz Williams on how the Aggies' slowed down Tennessee's pace
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Jahmai Mashack (15) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“We slowed down their offensive rebound percentage…I thought that translated into us getting into the bonus first and that was really important.”
Buzz Williams on the player buy in during the start of their SEC run
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Andre Gordon (20) reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I think they (Aggies) have been as accepting of our coaching of any group I’ve been around.”
Buzz Williams on multiple scoring options the Aggies possess each game
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34) controls the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“Every game it seems to be somebody different that has a superlative game relative to the box score.”
Buzz Williams on the team's consistent toughness
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34) reacts after a dunk against Tennessee Volunteers guard Santiago Vescovi (25) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“When it gets hard, I don’t think they’re put off by that because we practice hard.”
Buzz Williams on if the environment at Reed Arena was the best he's seen in his time with the program
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies fans celebrates a win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I don’t think it’s close, I think the closest would be Arkansas last Wednesday, then the next Auburn before that.”
“We’re so appreciative.”
Buzz Williams on the support from the 12th Man
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Manny Obaseki (35) celebrates the win over Tennessee Volunteers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s been a needle-mover for sure.”
