-and-
Aggies aim to bounce back off after first home conference loss.
Source: NMSU Athletics
Photo: Courtesy
What: Game Twenty
Who: NM State (11-8, 4-2 CUSA) vs Jax State (12-7, 4-2 CUSA)
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:00 p.m. MT
Where: Las Cruces, N.M. – Pan American Center (12,572)
The Aggies aim to rebound on Saturday against Jax State after suffering their first home conference loss of the season, a 69-56 setback to Kennesaw State at the Pan American Center. Saturday’s game marks just the third meeting between the two programs, with NM State claiming the most recent victory—a narrow 66-64 win on the road at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
Do-si-do Defense
Defense has long been the hallmark of Head Coach Jason Hooten‘s teams, and this year’s Aggies are fully embracing that identity. The squad has demonstrated defensive excellence, ranking 21st nationally and first in Conference USA in field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to just 39.2% shooting. The Aggies are also stifling teams from beyond the arc, ranking 16th in the nation in three-point defense percentage holding opponents to only 28.7%.
What Have the Gamecocks Got?
Jax State enters Saturday’s matchup with a 12-7 overall record, including a solid 4-2 mark in conference play. In their latest outing, the Gamecocks secured an impressive 73-66 road win over UTEP on Thursday night in El Paso. The Gamecocks are guided by veteran Head Coach Ray Harper, now in his ninth season at the helm. Harper has compiled a 158-119 record during his tenure with the program, showcasing his experience and success. Offensively, Jax State is fueled by standout guard Jaron Pierre Jr., one of the nation’s top scorers. Pierre ranks fifth in the country, averaging an impressive 21.2 points per game. The Aggies will face a tough challenge containing him, as he also ranks 15th nationally in total field goal attempts with 320 on the season.
On the glass, the Aggies will need to match up against senior forward Michael Houge, who leads the Gamecocks with 8.4 rebounds per game. Additionally, big man Mason Nicholson contributes 7.7 boards per contest. As a team, Jax State ranks among the best in the country, sitting 19th nationally in total rebounds per game (40.6) and seventh in defensive rebounds per game (29.1).
The Aggies have a Secret Weapon
New Mexico State is playing at home on the pergola of Lou Henson Court, and this time, they are calling in the big guns. The halftime inspiration will be provided by the 2025 Diaper Dash, a competition where the smallest of Aggies get to be aggressive on offense and, maybe, take home some free diapers.
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