Julius Marble and Wade Taylor IV’s 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, the stars of the night Wade Taylor IV and Julius Marble 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 both had to say on the night.
Julius Marble's opening statement
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34) drives to the basket against Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It starts in practice, coaching staff prospers us for situations like this.”
Julius Marble on the final stretch of the game
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) fouls Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“We we’re pretty poised in that situation, credit to the coaching staff.”
Wade Taylor IV's opening statement
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) during the first half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I felt like we played pretty good defense all game, Tennessee is just unbelievable.”
Wade Taylor IV on the rematch of the SEC Title game last season against Tennessee
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) drives around Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34) during the first half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“One of the dudes on the bench said, ‘Thanks for the ring last year.’”
“I said you’re welcome.”
Wade Taylor IV on losing the rebounding battle
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34) reacts to guard Tyrece Radford (not pictured) being fouled during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“We gave up 14 offensive rebounds, not too bad. But we got a couple of stops down the stretch.”
Wade Taylor IV on the impact of the 12th Man
Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Andre Gordon (20) celebrates the win over Tennessee Volunteers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“The 12th Man…it got really loud at the end and I couldn’t even hear. The pressure they put on the other team really helps us.”
