HOUSTON – The East Texas A&M University men's basketball team erased an 11-point deficit and defeated Rice 72-71 on Thursday night at Tudor Fieldhouse.
The Lions have started 2-0 for the first time in the Division I era and are among nine programs not from the Power conferences to have two wins over Division I opponents thus far, while being one of two programs with two road wins.
The 2-0 start in true road games is also the best start in program history. The Lions outrebounded Rice 54-41, including 25 offensive rebounds, and finished with 20 assists. The 20 assists were a season high for East Texas A&M in the 2026-27 season. The Lions have recorded at least nine steals in two consecutive games. They also have made at least 10 3-pointers in two consecutive games.
The Lions answered Rice's 30-19 lead with a 13-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer from
Bo Aldridge (Topeka, Kan.) with 2:05 left that put the visitors ahead 32-30. After Rice tied it at 32,
Thomas Duchamp (Le Havre, France) hit a 3-pointer and
Mohamed Diakite (Politiers, France) added a transition dunk, sending the Lions into halftime ahead 37-32.
The Lions leaned on Diakite late, as he hit a 3-pointer at 4:28, added a jumper and made another 3 with 2:03 left to put the visitors ahead 72-67. Rice got within 72-71 on Jaxson Thompson's basket and free throw with 37 seconds remaining, but Diakite blocked Thompson's shot with four seconds left and the Lions held on for a 72-71 win.
Diakite scored 23 points with three 3-pointers, six rebounds, three blocks, three assists and two steals. Aldridge finished with 16 points, four assists and two steals while converting 6 of 7 free throws.
Alonzo Dodd (St. Paul, Minn.) added 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, including three made 3-pointers.
Amar Hot (Skoplje, Macedonia) collected 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass, and added four points.
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The Lions play their first game at home next Wednesday, welcoming FDU for Education Day, presented by Signature Solar. Tickets can be purchased at
LionAthletics.com/tickets.
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