Texas A&M defeats Wake Forest with strong performances from Taylor and Coleman

In a college basketball game held in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M faced off against Wake Forest, resulting in a 57-44 victory for the Aggies. Wade Taylor IV emerged as a key player, scoring 15 points, while teammates Pharrel Payne and Henry Coleman III contributed 10 points each. This match occurred on the evening of December 3, 2024, and marked Texas A&M's third consecutive win, improving their seasonal record to 7-2. Wake Forest, on the other hand, found themselves unable to maintain the momentum from their previous victory over Minnesota. Despite Hunter Sallis delivering a game-high 19 points for the Demon Deacons, the team struggled with their shooting, managing only 28% from the floor. The Aggies showed lifelessness during the game, a potential aftereffect of participating in three games in the week prior, one of which was a challenging encounter against Rutgers. A pivotal moment in the game occurred as Taylor banked a 3-pointer just before halftime, allowing Texas A&M to lead 29-26 going into the break. The second half saw Texas A&M expand its lead to as much as seven points, fueled by Coleman finishing a fast break with a powerful dunk, solidifying their control over the game. Texas A&M capitalized on free throws throughout the match, shooting an impressive 82% from the line, which was significantly higher than their season average. As they prepared for their next game against Texas Tech, Texas A&M seized the opportunity at their home court, especially since this match was their first at home in over 13 days. The win not only enhanced their confidence but also set them up to face Texas Tech in a neutral-site matchup, highlighting their need to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, Wake Forest will look to bounce back in their upcoming ACC opener against Boston College.