No. 20 Texas A&M opens the 2018-19 regular season by hosting Rice, Wednesday, November 7 at 6 p.m., as part of the Maroon Madness Tip-Off.
The game is available for viewing on SEC Network + with Mike Wright and Tap Bentz on the call. SEC Network+ provides events to SEC Network subscribers through WatchESPN and the ESPN app on smartphones, computers, tablets and connected devices (Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One). The game airs on local radio on The Zone 1150 AM, with Tom Turbiville and Tap Bentz on the call.
The game, which along with the men’s basketball game against Savannah State that follows, has numerous promotions and giveaways to celebrate the start of the 2018-19 college basketball season. Two lucky students will have their Aggie Ring paid for, in addition to prizes such as free haircuts for a year from Sport Clips, free Whataburger for a year, a warm cookie delivery by Tiff's Treats or the opportunity to shoot from half-court for a $10,000 prize, presented by Mountain Dew.
Kids Court is open in the women's basketball practice gym from 5-6 p.m. featuring inflatables, face painting, animal balloons, a photo booth, and basketball shooting fun. Fans also have an opportunity to take a picture with the First Lady of Aggieland, Reveille, on the Reed Arena concourse behind section 121 prior to the game. In addition, a pregame lounge area is available to students, which includes free food from Rudy's BBQ, drinks provided by Pepsi, and an entertainment corner with televisions, video games and more.
The Aggies are coming off of an 81-40 exhibition win over Oklahoma City, where four Texas A&M players scored in double figures. Chennedy Carter led the team with 21 points, Ciera Johnson added 12, Kayla Wells chipped in 11 and Aaliyah Wilson had 10. Texas A&M went 26-10 last season, and made a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16.
The Owls registered a 23-10 campaign and an appearance in the WNIT Second Round. 2018 Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year Erica Ogwumike leads Rice after averaging 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds a year ago.
Last season, Texas A&M won 82-76 over Rice at Reed Arena, as the Owls sunk a then-Reed Arena record 15 3-pointers. With Rice down a point with 3:36 to play, the Aggies would score on their next three possessions to clinch victory. Carter scored 17 points and had seven assists, while Ogwumike led the Owls with 26 points.
Fans are advised that parking costs $5 for all doubleheader gamedays but a men's basketball season parking pass allows entry to the parking lots for all games. Fans are encouraged to stay for the men’s game, using their women’s basketball ticket as a general admission seat to the second game.
