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Fanta Gassama, Molly Kaiser lead four Aggies in double-digits.
Source: NMSU Athletics
By Louis Bolander
Photo By Emilio Garcia for NMSU: Courtesy
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Returning home to the friendly confines of the Pan American Center, NM State (14-12, 7-6 CUSA) played host to the Jax State Gamecocks (10-14, 4-9 CUSA). From the first quarter, the Aggies were able to pace the Gamecocks and ultimately grab another conference victory, winning 66-47.
Fanta Gassama was a force in the paint, securing a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. She was instrumental on both ends, making key defensive stops and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. NM State capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to close out the game strong, securing their 14th win of the season and improving to 7-6 in CUSA play which leaves them fourth in the league standings with five games to play.
NM State came out firing, shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field in the opening quarter to establish early control. Fanta Gassama made her presence known right away, knocking down the game’s opening jumper and later sinking a pair of free throws. Jaila Harding contributed a fastbreak layup, while Molly Kaiser and Sianny Sanchez-Oliver each drilled a 3-pointer to keep the offense rolling. Gassama was dominant on the glass, collecting defensive boards to limit Jacksonville State’s second-chance opportunities. The Aggies ended the quarter up 24-18.
Both teams cooled off offensively in the beginning of quarter two, but NM State maintained its lead. Gassama continued to be a force inside, finishing a strong layup off an assist from Diarrah Sissoko. Jaila Harding hit two crucial free throws, while Sylena Peterson knocked down a big three to keep the Gamecocks at bay. Despite a slower offensive output, the Aggies’ defense kept the visitors from gaining momentum and headed into halftime with a 37-31 advantage.
Jax State kept fighting, but NM State never lost its grip. Gassama remained dominant, converting on free throws and finishing a tough layup to push the lead back to double digits. Harding provided a spark from beyond the arc, nailing a three-pointer, while Kaiser hit key free throws to maintain the cushion. Gassama’s defensive rebounding limited Jacksonville State’s second chances, and the Aggies held firm, leading 51-45 heading into the final quarter.
The Aggies would slam the door shut with a suffocating defensive effort, holding Jax State to just two points in the final 10 minutes. The Aggies pulled away as Peterson and Harding hit back-to-back three-pointers, stretching the lead beyond reach. Gassama capped off her stellar night with a final defensive rebound and steal, solidifying her double-double performance (13 points, 14 rebounds). With a dominant 15-2 fourth quarter, New Mexico State cruised to a convincing 66-47 victory.
NUMBERS OF NOTE:
–Molly Kaiser finished with 13 points, moving up to fourth in all-time scoring.
-Four Aggies scored in double-figures for the first time since facing the UNM Lobos back in December.
-The Aggies tallied a lead for 35 minutes of play against the Gamecocks.
-Lucia Yenes picked up her career-high in steals (3) to help provide NM State the edge defensively over Jax State.
–Fanta Gassama tallied her second most rebounds in a single game this season (14)
UP NEXT:
The Aggies will have a short turnaround, returning on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. for a matchup with Kennesaw State, who defeated the Aggies last time around. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Basketball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWBB), Instagram (@NMStateWBB) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Basketball). You can also follow along with Aggie Women’s Basketball via NMStateSports.com.
