Tyrece Radford and Wade Taylor IV’s Post-Game Press Conference after Texas A&M defeated Alabama 67-61
Texas A&M (23-8, 15-3) capped off their regular season with one of their best, and most important victories of the season, defeating the No.2-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 67-61 inside a sold-out Reed Arena to the tune of 12,989 Aggies in attendance. Behind a suffocating Aggie defense that held the Crimson Tide to just 7-36 (19.4%) from 3-point, Texas A&M earned their record 15th win in SEC play heading into the postseason.
The Aggies were provided with two outstanding performances from Wade Taylor IV, who scored a career-high 28 points, paired with Tyrece “Boots” Radfords’ 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Dexter Dennis scored an effective 11 points and recorded 11 rebounds on the day, while all three players combined for 60 of the teams’ 67 points. Only shooting 34% from the field, Texas A&M’s continued success at the free-throw line proved to be the x-factor in securing the win, hitting 27-28 (96%) from the stripe including 26 made free throws from Taylor, Radford, and Dennis.
After the game, Head coach Buzz Williams spoke to the local media to reflect on the win, discuss Reed Arena’s impact on the day, and look forward to next week’s SEC Tournament, Here’s what Buzz had to say.
Senior guard Tyrece Radford's opening statement after Aggies take down Alabama 67-61
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Tyrece Radford (23) drives to the basket against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Rylan Griffen (3) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“We continue to play as a team. We keep faith in one another… We knew the game would be tight, and we were able to come out with the win.”
Star sophomore guard Wade Taylor IV on how he would put the Aggies' season into words
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Buzz Williams and guard Wade Taylor IV (4) embrace after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s tough. We have had a bunch of ups and downs. On Dec. 20, we were 6-5… We aren’t done. To finish the with most conference wins in program history, it closes that chapter of that book.”
Tyrece Radford on Dexter Dennis' performance (11 points, 7 rebounds) on the day
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Dexter Dennis (0) is tripped up during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“One of the best defenders I have ever played with. Him slowing down the ball… it fuels our defense.”
Tyrece Radford on the Aggies rebounding effort
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Brandon Miller (24) drives to the basket against Texas A&M Aggies forward Julius Marble (34), guard Wade Taylor IV (4) and guard Tyrece Radford (23) during the first half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“From a rebounding standpoint, we could have done better. It was a tough game. Punch for punch… The aggressiveness we had was pretty good as a team.”
Wade Taylor IV on the 12th Man's effect on the team this season
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies fans celebrate with players after the win against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s unexplainable. They have made the season what it is. They have changed our basketball culture here. The tents outside… The Reed Rowdies, the 12th Man, we can’t thank them enough.”
Tyrece Radford on hitting the late free throws to ice the game for the victory
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Tyrece Radford (23) shots over Alabama Crimson Tide forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It was a relief. The game wasn’t over, no matter how much time was on the clock. The whole time I was just thinking, ‘Money!'”
Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece 'Boots' Radford vouch for Buzz Williams to be named SEC Coach of the Year, states that they are "a little biased, but Buzz is different."
Mar 4, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Buzz Williams and guard Tyrece Radford (23) embrace after the win against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
