Texas A&M Women's Basketball Falls Short in SEC Tournament

Head coach Joni Taylor says team deserves postseason play despite loss

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas A&M women's basketball team fell short in the SEC Tournament, losing to Auburn 50-49 in the opening round. Despite the loss, head coach Joni Taylor believes the Aggies are an NCAA Tournament-caliber team and will pursue postseason play, likely in the WNIT. The Aggies showed improvement from last season, going 14-12 overall and 7-9 in SEC play, but the injury to star forward Fatmata Janneh in the Auburn game leaves the team's future uncertain.

Why it matters

Texas A&M women's basketball has been rebuilding under Joni Taylor, and this season's performance represents progress after a dismal 2024-25 campaign. However, the Aggies' postseason hopes now hinge on Janneh's injury status and their ability to replace the production of graduating center Lauren Ware. Taylor's future as head coach may also be in question if the team fails to make the NCAA Tournament.

The details

In the loss to Auburn, A&M point guard Ny'Ceara Pryor led the way with 25 points and a program-record 6 steals. Forward Janae Kent hit two free throws to give A&M a late lead, but Auburn hit a game-winning jumper in the final seconds. The Aggies had beaten Auburn 81-63 earlier in the season as part of a strong 6-1 finish, including wins over ranked opponents. However, the injury to Janneh, who had double-doubles in the last 5 regular season games, leaves a major hole in the Aggies' frontcourt with Ware graduating.

  • The Texas A&M women's basketball team lost to Auburn 50-49 in the opening round of the SEC Tournament on March 5, 2026.
  • Fatmata Janneh, a junior forward transfer, was injured in the game against Auburn and the severity of her injury is not yet known.

The players

Joni Taylor

The head coach of the Texas A&M women's basketball team, who is 52-64 in her four seasons leading the Aggies.

Ny'Ceara Pryor

The Aggies' starting point guard, who led the team with 25 points and a program-record 6 steals in the loss to Auburn.

Fatmata Janneh

A junior forward transfer who had been a key contributor for the Aggies, leading the team in rebounds and 3-point percentage before suffering a knee injury against Auburn.

Lauren Ware

The Aggies' starting center, who will be graduating after this season, leaving a major void in the team's frontcourt.

Janae Kent

A forward who hit two free throws to give A&M a late lead against Auburn before the Tigers hit the game-winning shot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I still think that with everything's that happened, we're an NCAA Tournament team.”

— Joni Taylor, Head Coach (statesman.com)

“Absolutely. We will play postseason basketball. This team deserves that.”

— Joni Taylor, Head Coach (statesman.com)

What’s next

The Aggies will now wait to see if they receive an invitation to the WNIT, which Taylor says the team deserves after their improved season. The team's future also hinges on the severity of Fatmata Janneh's knee injury and whether key players like Jordan Webster and Ny'Ceara Pryor choose to return for another season.

The takeaway

Despite the disappointing loss in the SEC Tournament, Texas A&M women's basketball has shown progress under Joni Taylor, going from just 10 wins in 2024-25 to 14 wins this season. However, the team's postseason fate and Taylor's future as head coach remain uncertain, especially with the loss of star forward Fatmata Janneh to injury and the graduation of center Lauren Ware.