Loubeaus career-high leads AM to victory

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - In Texas A&M's season opener at Reed Arena, Division II Angelo State was able to match the Aggies' speed but matching A&M's size proved to be a problem. Forwards David Loubeau and Bryan Davis combined for 37 points in the Aggies' 88-69 win Friday night.

It was a career-high for Loubeau after the sophomore came off the bench to shoot 10-14 from the field to go along with nine rebounds and a block.

"I felt great and that I was in great shape. I just played hard and got going," Loubeau said. "I guess it was just my night. I just went out there and was aggressive and did what I had to do."

Loubeau showed more of just his low post game as he stepped out to hit two 17-foot jump shots early in the game.

"I think David at times made it look easy," said A&M head coach Mark Turgeon. "I didn't realize Bryan had 17. The thing I was most proud of was Bryan making his free throws. He was 7-10 and I'll take that every night from Bryan. We had a huge advantage in there."

Angelo State (0-1) was able to keep things close early with its speed combating the Aggies' running style. Johnny Barnes led the Rams with 10 points and 12 rebounds while LaMarshall Corbett added a game-high 22 points while Stavon Williams had 15.

"I think they have a pretty good team. They had Rice down by three at the half so all together I think they have a pretty good team," Turgeon said. "I was pleased with the way we controlled the game."

The Aggies (1-0) had four players in double figures with Donald Sloan added 14 and Derrick Roland adding 12. Sophomore guard Dash Harris also added a career-high nine points and three assists with no turnovers.

Freshman Khris Middleton made his first start of his career, scoring two points and pulling down eight rebounds in 19 minutes. Fellow freshman Naji Hibbert had seven points with one rebound, one assists and one steal. The two freshmen combined to shoot 2-12 from the field.

"One guy I don't worry about making shots is Khris Middleton. He's going to make a lot in his career," Turgeon said. "It had to be nerves. We started him and he shot the one two feet over the rim, so he was fired up out there. The last couple of days in practice he's really been shooting the ball well. Naji had some good looks that just bounced out. Those two are going to be fine and I thought they acted as if they belonged."

A&M hits the road Monday to face SMU (0-1) at 7 p.m. at Moody Coliseum in Dallas.