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Aggies aim to build momentum after dominant FIU victory.
Source: NMSU Athletics
Photo: Courtesy
What: Game Twenty-Six
Who: NM State (13-12, 6-6 CUSA) vs Jax State (18-8, 10-3 CUSA)
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:00 p.m. MT
Where: Jacksonville, Ala. – Pete Mathews Coliseum (5,500)
THE OPENING TIP
• After closing out a three-game homestand with a dominant 28-point victory over FIU, NM State hits the road for one of its final two conference road trips. The Aggies will face off against the current CUSA frontrunner, Jacksonville State, at Pete Mathews Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 20.
• Thursday’s matchup marks just the fourth all-time meeting between these programs, with NM State holding a 2-1 advantage. In their most recent clash, the Gamecocks secured their first-ever win over the Aggies, battling to a 65-59 victory at the Pan American Center.
THE SECOND GO AROUND
• In his debut season leading the Aggies, Coach Hooten guided the Aggies to a 7-9 record in league play and helped deliver several memorable highlights, including a thrilling win over I-10 rival UTEP, a remarkable 23-point second-half comeback to defeat eventual CUSA Tournament Champion Western Kentucky, and an impressive 12-3 record on their home court at the Pan American Center.
• NM State’s home support was unmatched, as the Aggies led all Conference USA programs in average home attendance, drawing 5,638 fans per game. Hooten wrapped up his first season with a 13-19 overall record, bringing his career head coaching total to 274-188 and setting a strong foundation for the program’s future.
• After leading NM State to a 6-9 record in non-conference play last season, the Aggies improved that mark this year and will begin CUSA competition with a 7-6 record.
BY THE NUMBERS
• NM State ranks among the top teams in Conference USA across some key statistical categories. The Aggies boast the second-best field goal percentage defense in the league, holding opponents to just 40.1% shooting – a mark that also ranks 27th nationally. They also sit second in CUSA in scoring defense, allowing just 68.0 points per game.
• The Aggies are particularly effective at defending the perimeter, ranking second in the conference and 11th nationally in three-point percentage defense (29.3%). They also excel on the offensive glass, ranking third in CUSA with 11.5 offensive rebounds per game.
• On the individual side, graduate forward Peter Filipovity leads the conference in defensive rebounds per game (5.7) and is second in total rebounds per game (8.1). He also ranks second in CUSA for double doubles, recording five this season, including two in league play.
• Senior guard Christian Cook has been a consistent scoring presence for the Aggies, ranking 12th in CUSA with 13.5 points per game. He also ranks sixth in the league in total three-pointers made, knocking down 61 on the season.
STATEMENT WINS
• NM State recorded its third 20+ point victory in conference play with a commanding 28-point win over FIU – the most in Conference USA this season. The Aggies’ other dominant victories came against Louisiana Tech and UTEP. Liberty is the only other team in the conference with multiple 20+ point wins, tallying two.
ON THIS DATE IN AGGIE HISTORY
• Historically, NM State holds a 10-11 record in games played on Feb. 20, including a 6-5 mark at home and a 4-6 record on the road.
• The Aggies last played on this date in 2021, defeating Utah Valley 67-60 at home. One of their most memorable February 20th victories came in 1995, when they edged out UNLV 97-95 in Las Vegas. In their last five games on this date, NM State has posted a perfect 5-0 record.
TOUGH CONFERENCE, TIGHT RACE
• As of February 19, Conference USA stands as one of the most competitive leagues in the nation. Currently ranked as the ninth-best conference out of 31, CUSA sits above notable leagues like the American Athletic Conference and Missouri Valley Conference.
• The race for the top spot is razor-thin, with six teams just three or less games behind first place in the standings – showing the league’s depth and competitiveness, making every game a crucial battle for position down the stretch.
JACKSON’S RESURGENCE
• Senior guard Zawdie Jackson has rediscovered his offensive rhythm, delivering standout performances in back-to-back games last week.
• Against Liberty, Jackson led the Aggies with 18 points, shooting 5-11 (45%) from the field and 3-5 (60%) from beyond the arc. He also made five of six free throws and contributed four rebounds.
• He followed that up with an even more efficient outing against FIU, pacing NM State with 21 points and four assists while shooting a stellar 8-11 (72%) from the floor and 4-5 (80%) from three-point range. This marked his second 20+ point performance of the season, with his first coming in a season-high 24-point showing against Utah Tech on Nov. 9.
BENCH BOOST
• The Aggies’ scoring success is a true team effort, as they lead Conference USA in bench points per contest, averaging 24.7 per game. Leading the charge is graduate forward Robert Carpenter, who contributes 10.5 points per contest, providing energy and valuable production off the bench for NM State.
SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS
• Jacksonville State enters Thursday’s contest with an 18-8 overall record and a 10-3 mark in CUSA play, currently holding the top spot in the league standings. In their last game, the Gamecocks secured a hard-fought 70-68 road victory over Louisiana Tech.
• The Gamecocks are led by ninth-year head coach Ray Harper who holds a 164-120 record in his time at helm.
• Offensively, Jaron Pierre Jr. headlines the Gamecocks’ attack, ranking third nationally in scoring with 21.7 points per game. As a team, Jax State is one of the country’s best free-throw shooting squads, ranking 25th shooting 77.4% from the charity stripe. They also take care of the ball at an elite level, committing just 10.1 turnovers per game (30th in the nation).
• On the glass, Mason Nicholson leads Jax State with 7.8 rebounds per game. The Gamecocks are dominant on the defensive boards, ranking 11th nationally with 28.1 defensive rebounds per contest.
• Defensively, Jax State makes life difficult for opponents, ranking 37th in the country in field goal percentage defense by limiting teams to just 40.7% shooting.
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