[jwplayer fb1swk9j-Esf0Ippc]
Weir, New Mexico, Snap Five Game Losing Streak to New Mexico State With 78-77 Win
Lyle, New Mexico, Snap Five Game Losing Streak to New Mexico State With 78-77 Win
Contact/Follow @MWCwire
Lobos split back-to-back rivalry games
JaQuan Lyle (24 points, 2 assists) led all scorers and New Mexico (5-1) beat New Mexico State (2-3) for the first time since November 18, 2016. New Mexico had lost five straight to the Aggies in that time.
In Thursday’s game, the scoring ability that was on display in New Mexico’s first four games was back again in the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, but the defense came too, especially when it mattered.
Down 75-73 with less than two minutes remaining, New Mexico forced New Mexico State into a heavily contested three pointer by Terrell Brown with one second left on the shot clock. A rebound and subsequent outlet pass to JJ Caldwell by Corey Manigault led to a strong drive to the basket by Caldwell plus a foul shot, putting the Lobos up 76-75 after the made free throw.
But a subsequent drive to the basket by Terrell Brown on the other end put the Aggies back up 77-76 with just 1:16 left to play.
On the following possession, Johnny McCants fouled Carlton Bragg while diving for the ball, putting the 73.9% free throw shooter at the line with less than a minute to go.
Sinking both free throws, Bragg put the Lobos up 78-77 and a slew of back-and-forth turnovers between the teams eventually resulted in an offensive opportunity for the Aggies with 14.3 seconds remaining. Opting for the relatively-open three point shot, Jabari Rice couldn’t convert, and a rebounding foul against Ivan Aurrecoechea put Caldwell back on the line. While Caldwell couldn’t convert the front end of the one-and-one, Shunn Buchannan‘s last second heave from 28 feet out wouldn’t go either.
Trevelin Queen (23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists) led the way for New Mexico State.
The Aggies were without starters A.J Harris who was sidelined with a finger injury and Clayton Henry who was out with a thumb injury.
The Cherry and Silver will have a few days before heading to Brooklyn to play in the tournament portion of the Legends Classic. They’ll open play Monday with what should be the toughest opponent of the non-conference slate in 19th ranked Auburn.
Notable Team Stats:
The Lobos did more with less, shooting 28-52 from the field compared to New Mexico State’s 28-64. the efficient offense was needed after a shaky offensive showing at UTEP on Tuesday. Free throw shooting was also key to the win, and New Mexico finished with a 75% shooting mark from the line, right around their season average. The plus four margin in free throws and field goal efficiency helped make up for an off-night of rebounding, as they lost the battle of the boards, 29-37.
Stat Stuffers:
New Mexico – JaQuan Lyle (24 points, 2 assists)
UTEP – Trevelin Queen (23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists)
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1361]