Five Thoughts: Texas A&M 78, Auburn 56

1. What an impressive win by the Aggies. It's not one that will make a whole lot of waves nationally, but this Auburn team is really talented and came in boasting a 13-3 overall record and a 2-1 mark in SEC play. The Tigers beat George Washington by 10, Temple by 22, Arkansas by three, and on Thursday prior to Sunday's game, Ole Miss by 24.

I was worried how this group, coming off of the heartbreaking loss at No. 6 Kentucky, would come out and play today, but the Aggies dominated "War Eagle" from the opening tip and this one was never a contest. A&M put together first-half runs of 12-2, 7-0, 7-0 and 8-0 en route to a 20-point halftime lead.

It was an old fashioned butt kicking in the first 20 minutes and the home team was able to cruise in the second half to the easy victory.

2. It's time for a tip of the cap to new A&M assistant Bob Starkey. Replacing the great Vic Schaefer is no easy task — Vic handled the entire defense, took on most opponent scouting reports and worked up close and personal with the bigs. But Starkey, a well-known teacher of defense and post play, has done quite a number on Kelsey Bone's development.

I'm seeing a much more explosive, versatile and confident five player who is flat-out dominating the SEC through four games. On Sunday, Bone posted 19 points and 10 rebounds. It wasn't a flawless performance by #3, but she essentially had her way throughout the contest.

I've noticed a huge amount of growth in Bone's work without the basketball. She is posting up so well and providing an easy target for the guards in the low block. She's getting so deep that, by the time she gets the ball, it's a very high percentage shot. She's also running the floor extremely well in transition, which sets up easy fast break buckets for herself and her teammates.

You even see Kelsey leading the break at times, which would have been a disaster last year.

There is no doubt that the Starkey factor is playing a big role in Bone's success this season and it's time to give him the credit that he deserves. To that point, look at Kristi Bellock … one of the most improved players in the country this season. She also posted a double-double — 13 points and 10 rebounds — and has been a double-double machine of late.

3. That little bench play issue that we've been harping on for a while now? Well, it was much better today. The Aggie bench scored 10 points and put together a solid day at the office.

Peyton Little scored five straight during a quick stretch in the first half and finished with five points and four rebounds. Little and fellow freshmen Jordan Jones and Chelsea Jennings all played with excellent energy and effort on the defensive end, leading to easy baskets the other way. Karla Gilbert got into the act as well in the first half. Her numbers would not indicate it, but she played pretty well.

One would still like to see much more production out of the bench, but today's play is a start. It must continue to improve during the gauntlet of an 18-game SEC slate.

4. Courtney Walker just keeps getting better. Every time I watch Walker play, I come away more and more impressed with her game and more convinced that she will become an all-time great player at Texas A&M. On Sunday, the freshman compiled 16 points, six rebounds and three assists to help lead the home team to the win.

Walker reminds me of a perfect mix between Sydney Carter and Danielle Gant. She's much bigger and more physical than Carter, but not quite as long as Gant. Walker has the ability to get into the paint and make things happen with ease, much like Gant was able to do throughout her Aggie career.

And similar to Carter, Walker is relentless and fearless on the defensive end. She's not afraid to take on a challenge defensively and plays with all-out, fierce aggression while somehow making it look easy. Again, reminiscent of both Gant and Carter.
 
5. A feel-good story at the end of the game. Junior guard Kristen Grant stepped onto the floor for the first time following the passing of her mother a couple of weeks ago. She played the final five minutes of the game and showed great energy on both ends.

Kristen's brother, Nick, is A&M's video coordinator and their father, Tony, is about as nice of a guy as you'll meet. The family has had to go through a lot over the last year in dealing with the declining health of Mrs. Grant.

But on Sunday, it was all smiles for the Grant family.

Late in the game, when Kristin got in, Tony moved down to an open courtside seat and began taking photos of his daughter on the court. He was smiling and you could see how proud he was of his daughter for making it back to the court following such a terrible family tragedy.