Parker’s career-high 20 helps Texas A&M answer Louisiana’s third-quarter push

Texas A&M had the bigger scoring nights, but Louisiana made the Aggies work to turn them into a second win. Emerald Parker scored a career-best 20 points and Kailyn Gilbert added 19 in a 62–51 women’s basketball victory Thursday, Nov. 5, at Reed Arena.

The Aggies improved to 2–0. Parker also supplied seven rebounds and two blocks, while Gilbert finished with 11 rebounds and seven assists. It was Gilbert’s second double-double in as many games.

A lead lost, then recovered

A&M went into halftime ahead 31–22, only for Louisiana to move in front 34–33 with 6:06 left in the third quarter. Chaney Spencer’s 3-pointer immediately put the Aggies back ahead. A&M closed the period leading 49–38 and preserved that 11-point margin through the fourth.

The decisive stretch gave College Station fans a win, but the possession numbers leave room for improvement. Louisiana forced 21 turnovers and grabbed 20 offensive rebounds, creating extra opportunities despite a difficult shooting night.

The visitors made 20 of 76 field-goal attempts, or 26.3%. A&M shot 36.7% and held a 52–47 advantage on the boards. Aminata Sowe led Louisiana with 13 points and 15 rebounds, eight of them offensive.

A quick return to Reed

The Aggies host LSU New Orleans at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, according to Texas A&M’s postgame report. Thursday showed the value of Parker’s inside production and Gilbert’s all-around contribution. Keeping possession more reliably would make the next outing less complicated.

Sources: Texas A&M’s official recap; Louisiana’s official recap; official box score.