Texas A&M women's basketball opened the 2026-27 season with a Monday night victory, but the Aggies still have plenty to clean up after a sloppy performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Behind an impressive debut from LSU transfer Kailyn Gilbert, Texas A&M defeated the Lady Lions 77-54 at Reed Arena, giving head coach Joni Taylor her first victory of the season. Gilbert finished with a career-high 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, recording her fifth career double-double. She shot 11-of-20 from the field and connected on five 3-pointers, delivering the highest-scoring Aggie debut since the 1999-2000 season.
Despite Gilbert's performance, Texas A&M struggled to maintain consistency. The Aggies committed 16 turnovers, allowing Arkansas-Pine
Bluff to score 20 points off those mistakes. After building a 33-21 halftime advantage, A&M watched the Lady Lions cut the deficit to three early in the third quarter.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff kept the pressure on, trimming the lead to eight with 6:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Texas A&M responded with a 19-4 run to close the game, including 11 unanswered points.
Miyah Verse added 13 points and six rebounds, while Emerald Parker contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. The Aggies dominated the glass, outrebounding Arkansas-Pine Bluff 50-27.
Texas A&M key players of the game
- Kailyn Gilbert (G): 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five 3-pointers. Recorded a career high in scoring and a double-double in her Aggie debut.
- Miyah Verse (F): 13 points and six rebounds while shooting 6-of-9 from the field. Provided an efficient secondary scoring option.
- Emerald Parker (C): 10 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Made an impact defensively while nearly recording a double-double.
- Anita Franchini (F): Nine rebounds and two assists. Helped Texas A&M dominate the glass with a 50-27 rebounding advantage.
The victory was encouraging, particularly with Gilbert leading the offense, but the turnovers and defensive lapses showed that Taylor's team remains a work in progress.
Texas A&M (1-0) returns to Reed Arena Thursday, Nov. 5, to face Louisiana at 8 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
GAME WON 👍 pic.twitter.com/Q1UIAl4HMA
— Texas A&M Women's Basketball (@AggieWBB) November 3, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M women's basketball opens season with 77-54 victory
