-and-
With CUSA standings tightening, the Aggies look to make a statement on the road.
Source: NMSU Athletics
Photo: Courtesy
What: Game Twenty-One
Who: NM State (11-9, 4-3 CUSA) vs Middle Tennessee (14-6, 5-2 CUSA)
When: Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m. MT
Where: Murfreesboro, Tenn. – Murphy Center (11,520)
THE OPENING TIP
• The Aggies’ 65-59 loss to Jax State marked the first time NM State has dropped back-to-back home games since February 24, 2024. Now, the Crimson & White look to regroup as they hit the road, starting with a matchup against Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro on Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m..
• Thursday’s game will be the ninth meeting between the two programs, with the all-time series tied at 4-4. Middle Tennessee claimed the last contest in Murfreesboro, winning 76-69.
CONFERENCE ACTION
• The Crimson and White have been a defensive powerhouse in conference play, leading the league in key defensive categories. They rank first in scoring defense, limiting opponents to just 61.4 points per game, first in three-point percentage defense (25.5%) and second in field goal percentage defense (39.3%).
• Senior guard Christian Cook has been a sharpshooting force in conference play, ranked fourth in the league shooting 38.8% from beyond the arc (among players averaging 2.5+ makes per game) and ranking fourth in total three-pointers made at 19.
• Zawdie Jackson has demonstrated his ability to command the floor and take care of the basketball, ranking second in CUSA in assist-to-turnover ratio with an impressive 3.67 mark.
• Graduate forward Peter Filipovity has been a dominant presence on the glass in conference play, leading CUSA with 10.1 rebounds per game – making him the only player currently averaging double-digit boards. He also ranks first in defensive rebounds (52) and is tied for fourth in offensive rebounds (19).
THE COOK IS ON A ROLL
• Finishing with 13 points against Jax State, Christian Cook has now posted 10 or more points in 13 consecutive contests, and in 17 of the Aggies’ 20 contests.
• On the year, Cook leads the team in three-point shooting at 40.7%, ranking third in Conference USA, while averaging 2.8 made threes per game – fifth in the league. He also tops the Aggies in scoring with 14.6 points per game, eighth best in the conference
• His best performance this season came in a thrilling sold-out overtime clash against I-25 rival New Mexico, Cook erupted for a Division I career-high 27 points, draining six three-pointers – the third time in his career he’s hit that mark. He was also incredibly efficient, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 6-of-9 from beyond the arc.
FILIPOVITY FILLING UP THE STAT SHEET
• Through seven games in CUSA action, first-year Aggie Peter Filipovity is averaging 13.3 points per game to rank 14th in the league while also hauling in 10.1 rebounds per game to rank first in the league.
• Against Jax State, Filipovity recorded his third consecutive game with double-digit rebounds, grabbing a career-high 17 boards – the most by any member of the Crimson & White this season. This was the most rebounds by an Aggie in a single game since Johnny McCants pulled down 18 boards in 2022 – fitting, with McCants in attendance for the contest
TOUGH CONFERENCE, TIGHT RACE
• As of January 27, Conference USA stands as one of the most competitive leagues in the nation. Currently ranked as the eighth-best conference out of 31, CUSA sits above notable leagues like the West Coast Conference and the American Athletic Conference.
• The race for the top spot is razor-thin, with eight teams separated by just two games in the standings – showing the league’s depth and competitiveness, making every game a crucial battle for position down the stretch.
SCOUTING THE BLUE RAIDERS
• Middle Tennessee enters Thursday’s matchup tied for first place in the conference with a 14-6 overall record and an impressive 5-2 mark in league play. However, they’re coming off a 75-69 road loss to LA Tech in their most recent outing.
• The Blue Raiders are led by Head Coach Nick McDevitt, who is in his seventh year at helm holding a 97-112 record in his time.
• Offensively, senior guard Jestin Porter drives the Blue Raiders’ attack, averaging a team-high 16.2 points per game. Porter is a proven scorer who can heat up in a hurry – scoring 27 or more points in three of his last five games.
• On the boards, graduate forward Essam Mostafa presents a challenge, leading both his team and the conference with 8.9 rebounds per game. Mostafa has been dominant this season, ranking 11th in the nation with nine double-doubles and is 19th in field goal percentage, shooting an efficient 59%.
• From beyond the arc, the Aggies will face an uphill battle against Middle Tennessee’s stifling perimeter defense. The Blue Raiders rank seventh nationally in three-point percentage defense, holding opponents to a mere 28% from long range.
For complete coverage of NM State Men’s Basketball, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateMBB), Instagram (@NMStateMBB), and like us on Facebook (NMStateMBB).
