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Jaron Pierre Jr. Leads Mustangs to Victory in Arlington Showcase
In a riveting overtime battle that showcased the best of Texas college basketball, the SMU Mustangs defeated the Texas A&M Aggies 93-80 on December 7, 2025, at the Hoop Hype XL event in Arlington. The game delivered everything fans expected and more, with dramatic momentum swings, clutch performances, and a thrilling finish that will be remembered as one of the season’s best matchups.
Game Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
SMU dominated the first half, racing to a commanding 41-27 halftime lead. The Mustangs looked unstoppable early, with Jaron Pierre Jr. scoring 11 points and Samet Yigitoglu adding 10 to build their advantage. Pierre extended SMU’s lead to 49-34 just four minutes into the second half, and it appeared the Mustangs would cruise to victory.
But Texas A&M had other plans. The Aggies, playing with their full roster for the first time this season, mounted a furious comeback. Led by Marcus Hill’s exceptional second-half performance, Texas A&M clawed back into the game. Hill scored 16 of his game-high 25 points in the second half, keeping the Aggies competitive when their offense struggled elsewhere.
The dramatic finish came in the final minutes of regulation. Marcus Hill and teammates orchestrated a 7-0 run, capped by a three-pointer that gave Texas A&M a 77-73 lead with just 1:17 remaining. SMU responded with clutch free throws from B.J. Edwards and a critical jumper from Pierre with 25 seconds left to force overtime at 77-77.
Overtime Dominance
The extra period belonged entirely to SMU. Pierre opened overtime with five consecutive points—two free throws followed by a three-pointer—giving the Mustangs the lead for good. SMU outscored the Aggies 16-3 in the five-minute overtime period, with Texas A&M going 0-for-11 from the field in the extra session. The Aggies struggled from the free-throw line as well, making just 65 percent of their attempts throughout the game.
Star Performers
Jaron Pierre Jr. (SMU): The Conference USA Player of the Year from last season delivered a season-high 35 points, just one shy of his career high. Pierre shot 13-of-21 from the field, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw line at 6-of-6. His clutch gene showed when it mattered most, scoring the game-tying basket in regulation and opening overtime with the decisive points.
Boopie Miller (SMU): The steady point guard contributed 19 points while going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. He added six rebounds and four assists, providing crucial veteran leadership.
Corey Washington and Samet Yigitoglu (SMU): Washington added 14 points, while Yigitoglu recorded 12 points and eight rebounds before fouling out.
B.J. Edwards (SMU): Nearly recorded a triple-double with nine points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Marcus Hill (Texas A&M): Despite the loss, Hill put on an impressive display with 25 points, particularly in the second half. His 16 second-half points kept the Aggies in contention.
Rashaun Agee (Texas A&M): Recorded his third consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, showing consistency for the Aggies.
What Is Hoop Hype XL and Why It Matters
The Hoop Hype XL is more than just a neutral-site basketball event—it’s a platform that blends elite college basketball competition with community impact. Presented by United Sports & Entertainment, the event provides college basketball programs an alternative to traditional neutral-site games while creating opportunities for student-athletes to make a difference in underrepresented communities across North Texas.
The event was designed to blur the lines between sport and service, empowering participating student-athletes to use their talents for meaningful community engagement. Through strategic partnerships and hands-on involvement, Hoop Hype XL delivers experiences that connect sport with service, leaving a lasting impact beyond the court.
For this matchup, the event brought together two programs from different conferences—SMU from the ACC and Texas A&M from the SEC—creating an in-state rivalry atmosphere at College Park Center. The game was broadcast on ESPN2, giving both programs national exposure while highlighting the depth of basketball talent in Texas.
The Historic Rivalry
SMU and Texas A&M have a rich basketball history dating back to 1951. According to their all-time series records, the teams have met 105 times, with Texas A&M holding a slight 52-53 edge historically. However, Texas A&M has dominated recent matchups, winning eight of the last ten games dating from 1994 to 2023.
The teams last met on November 14, 2023, when Texas A&M won 79-66. Before this latest clash, the Aggies had won two straight in the series. This overtime victory marks an important statement win for SMU under head coach Andy Enfield.
Both programs have deep roots in Texas basketball, though they’ve taken different paths in recent years. Texas A&M moved to the SEC in 2012, while SMU joined the ACC for the 2024-25 season. This matchup represented the new conference affiliations clashing in a neutral-site setting.
SMU’s Season Outlook: Building on Success
The victory improves SMU to 9-1 on the season, a remarkable start under second-year head coach Andy Enfield. The Mustangs have proven they can compete with top-tier competition, with notable wins including this thriller over Texas A&M, a victory over Mississippi State, and a strong showing in their ACC opener.
Conference Play Ahead
SMU enters ACC play with tremendous confidence. The Mustangs finished 13-7 in conference play last season in their inaugural ACC campaign, tying for fourth place with an impressive 7-3 road record. This season, they appear even stronger with Pierre’s addition and continued development of their core players.
The backcourt duo of Boopie Miller and Jaron Pierre Jr. has been electric, combining for exceptional scoring and playmaking. Miller’s steady point guard play pairs perfectly with Pierre’s scoring punch, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses.
Tournament Implications
This type of quality win will matter come Selection Sunday. Defeating an SEC opponent in a neutral-site game by 13 points (in overtime) adds significant value to SMU’s NCAA Tournament resume. The Mustangs are building the kind of profile that could earn them an at-large bid if they continue performing well in ACC play.
Coach Enfield inherited a program in transition and has quickly established SMU as an ACC contender. The team’s balanced scoring attack—four players reached double figures in this game—and improved defense have been key factors in their success.
Texas A&M’s Path Forward: Growing Pains with Promise
Despite the loss, Texas A&M showed resilience and fight that bodes well for their SEC campaign. First-year head coach Bucky McMillan is implementing “Bucky Ball”—an up-tempo, three-point-heavy system that can be explosive when shots are falling.
The Good
The Aggies demonstrated they can compete with quality opponents, staging a dramatic second-half comeback from a 14-point deficit. When Texas A&M found its rhythm late in regulation, they looked capable of beating anyone. Marcus Hill emerged as a go-to scorer, and Rashaun Agee’s consistency on the boards (three straight double-doubles) provides a reliable presence.
The fact that Texas A&M had its full roster healthy for the first time all season is encouraging. The team is still building chemistry and learning to play together, which takes time.
Areas for Improvement
The shooting struggles were glaring. Texas A&M shot just 35 percent from the field and 24 percent from three-point range. In the first half alone, the Aggies went 1-for-18 from beyond the arc, missing their final ten attempts before halftime. For a system predicated on three-point shooting, this was devastating.
The overtime period exposed some mental and physical fatigue issues. Going scoreless from the field in a five-minute overtime period while missing free throws suggests the team needs to build better late-game execution and conditioning.
SEC Competition Ahead
Texas A&M enters a brutal SEC schedule but has shown they can compete. The Aggies had won five straight games before this loss, including impressive victories over Florida State and Pittsburgh. Leading scorer Ruben Dominguez (15.9 points per game) provides offensive firepower, though he’ll need more support from the perimeter.
The SEC is considered one of the strongest conferences in college basketball this season. Games like this—competitive losses to quality opponents—will prepare Texas A&M for the grind of conference play. The experience of playing in high-pressure situations like overtime will prove valuable.
Looking Ahead: Conference Championship Races
Both programs enter pivotal stretches of their seasons with legitimate conference championship aspirations.
SMU faces a challenging ACC schedule that includes home games against North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, and others, plus road contests at Duke, Clemson, and Syracuse. The ACC’s competitive balance means every game matters, but SMU has shown they can win both at home and on the road.
Texas A&M must navigate the SEC gauntlet, which features national powerhouses and deep, talented rosters throughout the conference. The Aggies’ ability to score in bunches gives them a chance in every game, but consistency—particularly from three-point range—will determine their success.
The Bottom Line
This Hoop Hype XL matchup delivered everything college basketball fans love: dramatic comebacks, clutch performances, overtime excitement, and stellar individual performances. Jaron Pierre Jr.’s 35-point masterpiece will be remembered as one of the season’s best individual efforts, while Marcus Hill’s 25-point performance in defeat showed his star potential.
For SMU, this victory validates their strong start and proves they belong among the ACC’s elite. The Mustangs have the talent, coaching, and depth to make noise in March.
For Texas A&M, despite the disappointing finish, the comeback showed character and potential. As the team continues building chemistry and improving shot selection, they’ll become increasingly dangerous in SEC play.
Both programs have bright futures ahead. This game showcased why Texas basketball remains among the nation’s best, with two programs committed to excellence competing on a neutral stage for community benefit. The Hoop Hype XL platform succeeded in delivering both thrilling basketball and meaningful community impact—exactly what college sports should represent.
As both teams return to their conference schedules, fans should expect to see them competing for NCAA Tournament berths come March. This December matchup may well be remembered as a turning point in both programs’ seasons.
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