Las Cruces, NM- In front of 6,600+ in the Pan American Center and a national television audience, the New Mexico State Aggies (13-8, 7-2) defeated the Denver Pioneers (11-8, 7-2) by a score of 53-42 on Wednesday night.
The game was televised on ESPNU at a nine o'clock tip-off. Over 1,500 students attended and it definitely showed.
The Aggies are now on a 7-game winning streak and have not lost since the calender flipped to 2013. This is the longest winning streak since Reggie Theus and company notched a 13-gamer in the 2006-2007 season.
Due to K.C. Ross-Miller's hamstring injury he suffered last Saturday vs San Jose State, sophomore guard Terrel de Rouen made his first career start recording 4 points and 4 rebounds in 27 minutes.
The seniors' improved play has really sparked the Aggies. Bandja Sy had another near-double-double with 10 points and 8 rebounds; Tyrone Watson had a game-high 12 points and 6 rebounds. Sophomore Daniel Mullings is continuing to stuff the stat sheet with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. He did struggle shooting the ball however, going 3-12 from the field.
Only seven players saw court time for the Crimson and White: de Rouen, Mullings, Watson, Sy, Sim Bhullar, Kevin Aronis, and Renaldo Dixon.
Denver didn't have a single player in double figures as they were held to 16.7% shooting from behind the arc- where they get most of their points.
Player of the Game: Daniel Mullings (11 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl)
Next Game: Thursday, January 31, @ Texas State (6-14, 2-6) at 6:00 MST.
GO AGGIES!!!
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
MBB: NMSU 64, Utah St 51
Las Cruces, NM- This was THE BEST performance by the New Mexico State Aggies (11-8, 5-2) all season as they defeated the then first-place Utah State Aggies (14-2, 5-1) by a score of 64-51 Thursday night in the Pan American Center. NMSU led 23-18 at halftime and as many as 21 in the second half.
This was the 5th straight win for the Crimson and White as they improve to 5-0 in 2013. Utah State entered the game on a 13-game winning streak- tied with Kansas for longest in NCAA.
NMState was led by senior forward Bandja Sy who scored 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Sophomore Daniel Mullings slashed and dashed for 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Tyrone Watson (12) and K.C. Ross-Miller (10) also scored in double-figures as well. It was a block party for 7'5'' Sim Bhullar as he recorded 5. Bhullar's younger brother Tanveer was in attendance.
Preseason WAC Player of the Year Preston Medlin had the biggest impact for Utah State with 14 points. Jarred Shaw posted 11. NMSU out rebounded USU 33-20 and shot 57.8% from the field. Both teams had 14 turnovers each.
This was the last game in the PanAm that these two teams will play as WAC rivals with Utah State heading to the Mountain West Conference next season. NMSU is 8-7 vs the UtAgs in WAC play since 2005... 6-2 in the PanAm!
I am going to miss this rivalry. Curse you conference realignment!
Props to the crowd tonight!
The Aggies return to action on Saturday vs. San Jose State, which is also Military Appreciation Night.
Player of the Game: NMSU Southside Student Section
Next Game: Saturday, January 19, vs. San Jose State at 7:00 MT.
GO AGGIES!
This was the 5th straight win for the Crimson and White as they improve to 5-0 in 2013. Utah State entered the game on a 13-game winning streak- tied with Kansas for longest in NCAA.
NMState was led by senior forward Bandja Sy who scored 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Sophomore Daniel Mullings slashed and dashed for 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Tyrone Watson (12) and K.C. Ross-Miller (10) also scored in double-figures as well. It was a block party for 7'5'' Sim Bhullar as he recorded 5. Bhullar's younger brother Tanveer was in attendance.
Preseason WAC Player of the Year Preston Medlin had the biggest impact for Utah State with 14 points. Jarred Shaw posted 11. NMSU out rebounded USU 33-20 and shot 57.8% from the field. Both teams had 14 turnovers each.
This was the last game in the PanAm that these two teams will play as WAC rivals with Utah State heading to the Mountain West Conference next season. NMSU is 8-7 vs the UtAgs in WAC play since 2005... 6-2 in the PanAm!
I am going to miss this rivalry. Curse you conference realignment!
Props to the crowd tonight!
The Aggies return to action on Saturday vs. San Jose State, which is also Military Appreciation Night.
Player of the Game: NMSU Southside Student Section
Next Game: Saturday, January 19, vs. San Jose State at 7:00 MT.
GO AGGIES!
Photo Credit: Robin Zielinski (LC Sun-News)
Friday, January 11, 2013
MBB: NMSU 83, SEA 82 (2OT)
Seattle, WSH- Oh my gosh. What a game! New Mexico State (9-8, 3-2) defeated Seattle (5-9, 0-4) 83-82 in a double overtime contest at the KeyArena. It wasn't the prettiest win... But we will take it.
This was the first multiple overtime game for the Aggies since the dreadful 3-OT loss to the Boise State Broncos in the 2008 WAC Championship.
With seven seconds remaining in regulation, senior Bandja Sy nailed a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Ahead by six points with 42 seconds left, the Aggies felt a win. But after committing three turnovers and three consecutive possessions, the game went on to a second overtime. K.C. Ross-Miller iced the 83-82 win making three free throws in the final 35 seconds- his only points of the contest.
This was the night the seniors finally showed their leadership. Tyrone Watson had a career night scoring 26 points (career high), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 steals (career high as well) while Bandja Sy dropped in 23 points with 9 boards.
Sophomore Daniel Mullings had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and along with Watson, a career-high 7 steals. Sim Bhullar grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds in the game.
Turnovers were the story of this game. NMSU had 18 while Seattle committed 25.
Random little stat: Sophomore Daniel Mullings has 94 career steals in 53 games. Aggie legend Hernst Laroche only had 90 through his first 66.
Player of the Game: Tyrone Watson (26 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 7 stl)
Next Game: Saturday, January 12, @ Idaho (6-8, 2-2) at 8:00 MT
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
This was the first multiple overtime game for the Aggies since the dreadful 3-OT loss to the Boise State Broncos in the 2008 WAC Championship.
With seven seconds remaining in regulation, senior Bandja Sy nailed a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Ahead by six points with 42 seconds left, the Aggies felt a win. But after committing three turnovers and three consecutive possessions, the game went on to a second overtime. K.C. Ross-Miller iced the 83-82 win making three free throws in the final 35 seconds- his only points of the contest.
This was the night the seniors finally showed their leadership. Tyrone Watson had a career night scoring 26 points (career high), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 steals (career high as well) while Bandja Sy dropped in 23 points with 9 boards.
Sophomore Daniel Mullings had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and along with Watson, a career-high 7 steals. Sim Bhullar grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds in the game.
Turnovers were the story of this game. NMSU had 18 while Seattle committed 25.
Random little stat: Sophomore Daniel Mullings has 94 career steals in 53 games. Aggie legend Hernst Laroche only had 90 through his first 66.
Player of the Game: Tyrone Watson (26 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 7 stl)
Next Game: Saturday, January 12, @ Idaho (6-8, 2-2) at 8:00 MT
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Aron-ICE.
Junior guard Kevin Aronis had a game. He came off the bench on December 19 vs the #16 ranked New Mexico Lobos and made four clutch 3-pointers, his only 12 points, to keep the Aggies in the game.
That was supposed to be his breakout game.
The game where he proved to be the next cold-blooded three-point shooter.
Instead, it was just the last time he has made a field goal and recorded a point.
12/19 vs. UNM: 9 min, 12 points, 4-5 3-pt.
12/22 vs. MSU: 12 min, 0 points, 0-3 3-pt.
12/29 @ UTA: 8 min, 0 points, 0-2 3-pt.
12/31 @ LT: 4 min, 0 points, 0-1 3-pt.
1/3 vs. UTSA: 9 min, 0 points, 0-0 3-pt.
1/5 vs. TSU: 2 min, 0 points, 0-2 3-pt.
I would love to see him play more minutes... which would probably give him more confidence.
He is 12-33 on 3-pointers this season (36.4%) and averages 2.8 points per game.
The last time I blogged about a players struggles, was my blog about Bandja Sy's struggles. He has turned it around and is averaging 12.5 points per game since the article was published.
Good luck to Kevin Aronis and may he have an excellent career!
MBB: NMSU 78, TexSt 67
Las Cruces, NM- It wasn't the prettiest win, but I'm sure Marvin Menzies and his New Mexico State team will take it. The Aggies (8-8, 2-2) got by the last place Texas State Bobcats (4-12, 0-4) 78-67 Saturday night at the Pan Am Center.
NM State got out to a 12-2 lead at the under 16 minute time out, but the Bobcats came back to make the score a 37-37 tie at halftime.
For the second straight game, the Aggies got off to a great second half start and used it to propel themselves to victory. Joel Wright led Texas State with 17 points and 7 rebounds while teammate Deonte' Jones added 15. The Aggies shot 15-17 from the free-throw line, 88.2%.
Sophomore guard Daniel Mullings played terrific filling the stat sheet once again with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Senior Bandja Sy followed his career night with a double-double, 16 points and 10 boards. Terrel de Rouen provided a spark off the bench with 8 points including a couple of back-to-back 3-pointers in the first half. Sim Bhullar had a perfect night scoring 20 points on 9-9 shooting.
New Mexico State will now go on a two-game road traveling to Seattle (5-8, 0-3) and Idaho (6-7, 2-1).
Player of the Game: Daniel Mullings (22 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl)
Next Game: Thursday, January 10, @ Seattle (5-8, 0-3) at 8:00 MT.
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
NM State got out to a 12-2 lead at the under 16 minute time out, but the Bobcats came back to make the score a 37-37 tie at halftime.
For the second straight game, the Aggies got off to a great second half start and used it to propel themselves to victory. Joel Wright led Texas State with 17 points and 7 rebounds while teammate Deonte' Jones added 15. The Aggies shot 15-17 from the free-throw line, 88.2%.
Sophomore guard Daniel Mullings played terrific filling the stat sheet once again with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Senior Bandja Sy followed his career night with a double-double, 16 points and 10 boards. Terrel de Rouen provided a spark off the bench with 8 points including a couple of back-to-back 3-pointers in the first half. Sim Bhullar had a perfect night scoring 20 points on 9-9 shooting.
New Mexico State will now go on a two-game road traveling to Seattle (5-8, 0-3) and Idaho (6-7, 2-1).
Player of the Game: Daniel Mullings (22 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl)
Next Game: Thursday, January 10, @ Seattle (5-8, 0-3) at 8:00 MT.
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
Friday, January 4, 2013
Parker Hipp is Pre-Season All-American
Las Cruces, NM- Senior shortstop Parker Hipp has been named to the 2013 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American team. He is a third team selection.
Hipp hit .349 with 17 doubles and scored 51 runs. He led the Aggies with a .488 on base percentage as he helped lead them to a share of the WAC title and ultimately an NCAA Tournament bid. He will be converting from the teams second baseman to shortstop.
The New Mexico State baseball team gets started with the Alumni Game on Saturday, February 9, at 2:00 MT at Presley Askew Field.
Parker Hipp lays out and snatches a ball for an out in the NCAA Tournament last season.
Hipp hit .349 with 17 doubles and scored 51 runs. He led the Aggies with a .488 on base percentage as he helped lead them to a share of the WAC title and ultimately an NCAA Tournament bid. He will be converting from the teams second baseman to shortstop.
The New Mexico State baseball team gets started with the Alumni Game on Saturday, February 9, at 2:00 MT at Presley Askew Field.
Parker Hipp lays out and snatches a ball for an out in the NCAA Tournament last season.
MBB: NMSU 82, UTSA 62
Las Cruces, NM- A convincing win. A great win. A HUGE win. This was by far the most impressive victory of the season for the New Mexico State Aggies (7-8, 1-2) as they defeated the UT-San Antonio Roadrunners (4-9, 0-3) 82-62. This was the first conference win for the Aggies. Senior Bandja Sy finally broke out of his long slump exploding for 25 points on 9-12 shooting.
NM State shot 68.6 from the field (35-51), which is a new school record. The previous record was 66.2, which stood for 39 years. The Aggies also recorded 11 blocks, which was one shy of tying the school record of 12. They also out rebounded UTSA 35-17.
Sy also recorded 8 rebounds on the night. Sim Bhullar added 15 points on 7-8 shooting. Sophomore Daniel Mullings completely stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. The Roadrunners were led by their dynamic back court of Michael Hale III and Kannon Burrage as they each dropped 14 points.
NMSU led 38-32 at half before running away with it. The game was 80-50 with 4:41 left before coach Marvin Menzies emptied his bench.
This win by New Mexico State puts them right back into the WAC, and will serve as a huge confidence builder.
Player of the Game: Bandja Sy (25 pts, 8 reb)
Next Game: Saturday, January 5, vs. Texas State (4-11, 0-3) at 7:00 MT
NM State shot 68.6 from the field (35-51), which is a new school record. The previous record was 66.2, which stood for 39 years. The Aggies also recorded 11 blocks, which was one shy of tying the school record of 12. They also out rebounded UTSA 35-17.
Sy also recorded 8 rebounds on the night. Sim Bhullar added 15 points on 7-8 shooting. Sophomore Daniel Mullings completely stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. The Roadrunners were led by their dynamic back court of Michael Hale III and Kannon Burrage as they each dropped 14 points.
NMSU led 38-32 at half before running away with it. The game was 80-50 with 4:41 left before coach Marvin Menzies emptied his bench.
This win by New Mexico State puts them right back into the WAC, and will serve as a huge confidence builder.
Player of the Game: Bandja Sy (25 pts, 8 reb)
Next Game: Saturday, January 5, vs. Texas State (4-11, 0-3) at 7:00 MT
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
MBB: LaTech 81, NMSU 72
Ruston, LA- I'm sure starting conference play 0-2 is not what New Mexico State had in mind. They opened up WAC play on a two game road trip on Saturday getting blown out by a pretty weak UT-Arlington 68-47. On Monday, they traveled to Ruston to take on the red-hot Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. This one was closer as NMSU was within 3 points with about 9 minutes left, but the Bulldogs just pulled away from there to secure an 81-72 victory.
The Bulldogs (11-3, 2-0) earned their second conference win while the Aggies (6-8, 0-2) continue to struggle.
LaTech was led by freshman guard Alex Hamilton who came off the bench to score 20 points and went 10-10 from the free throw line. Senior Brandon Gibson added 15 and Michale Kyser tallied 5 blocks.
The Aggies were once again led by sophomore guard Daniel Mullings who led all scorers with 21 points to go along with his 5 rebounds. Senior Tyrone Watson had 14 points on 10-14 shooting from the free throw line.
I was very please to see Renaldo Dixon get 19 minutes. He had 9 points and 6 rebounds on 4-6 shooting. Sophomore Terrel de Rouen continues to make a push to become the starting point guard for the Aggies as he scored a career-high 10 points.
New Mexico State held All-WAC performer Raheem Appleby to 8 points on 4-15 shooting. (YES!)
They also shot 24-54 from the field (44%)- not bad... BUT, shot 1-12 from behind the arc.
The Aggies will look to rebound and could easily get back to .500 in the WAC as they will host fellow cellar dwellers UT-San Antonio (4-8, 0-2) and Texas State (4-10, 0-2) on Thursday and Saturday.
These are MUST, MUST WINS.
Player of the Game: Daniel Mullings (21 pts, 5 reb)
Next Game: Thursday, January 3, vs. UT-San Antonio (4-8, 0-2) at 7:00 MT
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
The Bulldogs (11-3, 2-0) earned their second conference win while the Aggies (6-8, 0-2) continue to struggle.
LaTech was led by freshman guard Alex Hamilton who came off the bench to score 20 points and went 10-10 from the free throw line. Senior Brandon Gibson added 15 and Michale Kyser tallied 5 blocks.
The Aggies were once again led by sophomore guard Daniel Mullings who led all scorers with 21 points to go along with his 5 rebounds. Senior Tyrone Watson had 14 points on 10-14 shooting from the free throw line.
I was very please to see Renaldo Dixon get 19 minutes. He had 9 points and 6 rebounds on 4-6 shooting. Sophomore Terrel de Rouen continues to make a push to become the starting point guard for the Aggies as he scored a career-high 10 points.
New Mexico State held All-WAC performer Raheem Appleby to 8 points on 4-15 shooting. (YES!)
They also shot 24-54 from the field (44%)- not bad... BUT, shot 1-12 from behind the arc.
The Aggies will look to rebound and could easily get back to .500 in the WAC as they will host fellow cellar dwellers UT-San Antonio (4-8, 0-2) and Texas State (4-10, 0-2) on Thursday and Saturday.
These are MUST, MUST WINS.
Player of the Game: Daniel Mullings (21 pts, 5 reb)
Next Game: Thursday, January 3, vs. UT-San Antonio (4-8, 0-2) at 7:00 MT
Follow on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
MBB: UTA 68, NMSU 47
Arlington, TX- This is not the way coach Marvin Menzies wanted the beginning of WAC play to begin for his New Mexico State Aggies. The defending WAC champs came into Arlington to face off against UT-Arlington, who were making their WAC debut after spending a whopping 47 years in the Southland conference. It was definitely a debut for the Mavericks as they completely blew out New Mexico State by a score of 68-47. The Aggies only led once in the entire game and that was 3-0 after Daniel Mullings opened up the scoring with a 3-pointer. It was all UTA after that as they took a 37-24 lead into the half. The Aggies were within 10 at one point in the second half, but the Mavericks went on an 8-1 run officially putting the game out of reach. Senior forward Kevin Butler scored a team-high 18 points.
Sophomore Daniel Mullings led the way for NMSU with 21 points on 7-9 shooting and freshman Sim Bhullar put together another good night scoring 14 points to go along with 6 rebounds and a career-high 5 blocks. Those two combined for 35 of the Aggies' 47 points. That is ridiculous. The ten other players that took the court for NMSU had 12. The 'struggling seniors' continued to struggle as Bandja Sy had only 2 points on 1-6 shooting, but managed to bring down 7 rebounds and Tyrone Watson had a 4-6-4 night (not bad) on 1-7 shooting. The Aggies as a team shot 17-51 from the floor (33.3%), 2-18 from 3-point range (11.1%), and 11-23 (47.8%) at the ever-deflating free throw line.
This was the first time that New Mexico State has lost a conference opening game going all the way back to the 2004-2005 season when they were members of the Sun Belt Conference. That season, the Aggies finished 6-24.
They have one day to regroup before departing for Ruston, Louisiana to face off with the red-hot Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (10-3, 1-0) who are coming off a 68-60 win over Denver in their conference opener. NMSU is 11-3 all-time against LaTech in conference play- (7-0 at the PanAm Center; 4-3 in Ruston). That is a must-win for NMSU.
Player of the Game: Sim Bhullar (14 pts, 6 reb, 5 blk)
NEXT GAME: Monday, December 31, @ Louisiana Tech (10-3, 1-0) at 6:00 MT
Sophomore Daniel Mullings led the way for NMSU with 21 points on 7-9 shooting and freshman Sim Bhullar put together another good night scoring 14 points to go along with 6 rebounds and a career-high 5 blocks. Those two combined for 35 of the Aggies' 47 points. That is ridiculous. The ten other players that took the court for NMSU had 12. The 'struggling seniors' continued to struggle as Bandja Sy had only 2 points on 1-6 shooting, but managed to bring down 7 rebounds and Tyrone Watson had a 4-6-4 night (not bad) on 1-7 shooting. The Aggies as a team shot 17-51 from the floor (33.3%), 2-18 from 3-point range (11.1%), and 11-23 (47.8%) at the ever-deflating free throw line.
This was the first time that New Mexico State has lost a conference opening game going all the way back to the 2004-2005 season when they were members of the Sun Belt Conference. That season, the Aggies finished 6-24.
They have one day to regroup before departing for Ruston, Louisiana to face off with the red-hot Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (10-3, 1-0) who are coming off a 68-60 win over Denver in their conference opener. NMSU is 11-3 all-time against LaTech in conference play- (7-0 at the PanAm Center; 4-3 in Ruston). That is a must-win for NMSU.
Player of the Game: Sim Bhullar (14 pts, 6 reb, 5 blk)
NEXT GAME: Monday, December 31, @ Louisiana Tech (10-3, 1-0) at 6:00 MT
2012-2013 WAC Preview
Hello basketball fans! Conference play in
finally upon us! Last year, the Western Athletic Conference was mainly a
two-team race- New Mexico State vs. Nevada. The Wolfpack went on to win the
regular season title, while the Aggies won the WAC Tournament and advanced to
the NCAA Tournament. How about this season? It should be an interesting
year.
First off, lets begin with my All-WAC Accolades:
Player of the Year: Raheem Appleby (LaTech)
Coach of the Year: Marvin Menzies (NMSU)
All-WAC First Team
G Raheem Appleby (LT)
G Preston Medlin (USU)
G Daniel Mullings (NMSU)
F Chris Udofia (DEN)
C Kyle Barone (ID)
All-WAC Second Team
G Michael Hale III (UTSA)
G James Kinney (SJSU)
F Jordan Reves (UTSA)
F Royce O'Neale (DEN)
F Jarred Shaw (USU)
I believe that there will be a 3-team race for the WAC title between NMSU, Utah State, and Louisiana Tech. There is a lot of inexperience in the conference this season, and these teams seem more comfortable. Here is a look at my projected standings:
WAC Projections
Player to Watch: Raheem Appleby, So., G
1. New Mexico State 15-3
First off, lets begin with my All-WAC Accolades:
Player of the Year: Raheem Appleby (LaTech)
Coach of the Year: Marvin Menzies (NMSU)
All-WAC First Team
G Raheem Appleby (LT)
G Preston Medlin (USU)
G Daniel Mullings (NMSU)
F Chris Udofia (DEN)
C Kyle Barone (ID)
All-WAC Second Team
G Michael Hale III (UTSA)
G James Kinney (SJSU)
F Jordan Reves (UTSA)
F Royce O'Neale (DEN)
F Jarred Shaw (USU)
I believe that there will be a 3-team race for the WAC title between NMSU, Utah State, and Louisiana Tech. There is a lot of inexperience in the conference this season, and these teams seem more comfortable. Here is a look at my projected standings:
WAC Projections
1. Louisiana Tech 16-2
- LaTech is coming off a cinderella story season last year making it all the way to the WAC Tournament championship, losing to NMSU. They finished 18-16 last year (6-8 in WAC) under 1st-year coach Michael White. They also were paced by WAC Freshman of the Year Raheem Appleby who averaged 13.9 ppg, who I expect to be the WAC Player of the Year. The media and coaches are not too high on the Bulldogs this season, but I believe they will be really good this season... I am HUGE on LaTech this year. Watch out!
Player to Watch: Raheem Appleby, So., G
1. New Mexico State 15-3
- NMSU is coming off a 2012 campaign in which they won the
WAC Tournament and posted a 26-10 record (10-4 in WAC play). The Aggies have a
lot of experience returning and also welcome a handful of newcomers. NMSU has
been very consistent in the WAC and don't be surprised if they completely run
the table this season. Look for senior forward Tyrone Watson to break out during
conference play and sophomore guard Daniel Mullings to make a run at the Player
of the Year Award. If NMSU can utilize their bench as well as LaTech this season, they will finish first.
Player to Watch: Daniel Mullings, So.,
G
3. Utah State 13-5
3. Utah State 13-5
- The Utah State Aggies are coming of by far their worst
season as members of the WAC finishing in fourth place with a 21-16 record (8-6
in WAC). They look to change that this season. The Aggies are off to a superb
9-1 record in non-conference play, but pretty much all against Division-II
talent. They lost four-year starter Brockeith Pane to graduation last season and
will rely on All-WAC performer Preston Medlin to take over as leader. Oh yeah,
they also are coached by Stew Morrill, who has 354 wins at USU. He won't let
them fail.
Player to Watch: Preston Medlin, Jr., G
4. Idaho 10-8
- Many people forget that Idaho finished third in the WAC standings last season
due to their first round exit in the WAC Tournament by way of Hawaii. The
Vandals return this season led by All-WAC senior center Kyle Barone and junior
forward Stephen Madison, both who average 15.9 ppg each through the team's first
10 games in 2012. Besides those two however, they do not really have any other
weapons. Look for them to win 10 games this season in WAC play.
Player to Watch: Kyle Barone, Sr., C
5. Denver 9-9
- Welcome to the WAC, Denver. The Pioneers come from the Sun Belt conference as did NMSU in 2005, and finished with a record of 22-9. This team will definitely be the most talented of the four newcomers this season. Junior forward Chris Udofia averaged 14.5 ppg last season and will try to do the same kind of damage to the WAC. Sophomore forward Royce O'Neale accompanies Udofia to form one of the conference's most dangerous frontcourts in the conference.
Player to Watch: Chris Udofia, Jr., F
6. UT-San Antonio 7-11
- The University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners- not very intimidating. Don't tell that to senior guard Michael Hale III who is off to a great start averaging 16.9 ppg this season. Look for him to be a force for the Roadrunners along with fellow senior guard Kannon Burrage who is dropping 18.6 a game. They have not played a challenging schedule though, so look for the WAC to be a step up for them.
Player to Watch: Michael Hale III, Sr., G
7. San Jose State 6-12
- A lack of a supporting cast for All-WAC performer James Kinney will lead to San Jose State tying for seventh place in the WAC standings. Kinney, a senior, leads the WAC in scoring with 22.6 ppg. They are not a deep team and that will cost them- however junior forward Chris Cunningham is a double-double machine and will provide some assistance to Kinney.
Player to Watch: James Kinney, Sr., G
7. UT-Arlington 6-12
- This may be a little low for the UT-Arlington Mavericks, who could easily be a sleeper in the WAC this season and climb into the top-5. Senior forward Jordan Reeves averages a double-double and unlike SJSU, the Mavericks are a deep team. They have seven players who average at least 5.5 ppg. They are also 18th in the nation in rebounding. Watch out for them
Player to Watch: Jordan Reeves, Sr., F
9. Seattle 4-14
- The Redhawks come into the season as a cellar-dweller. Junior forward Clarence Trent and freshman Deshaun Sunderhaus each average 10 points and 7 rebounds a game... which may be why they are EIGHTH in the nation in rebounding... Yes, eighth.
Player to Watch: Clarence Trent, Jr., F
10. Texas State 3-15
- Last but not least, we have Texas State. The Bobcats are going to be overlooked a lot, and that may be just what they want. Senior forward Matt Staff and junior forward Joel Wright each average 15.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Those numbers are against however, teams by the likes of Fordham, UC-Riverside, and Division III Texas-Tyler. Yeah, don't really count on them to have a huge impact on the WAC this season.
Player to Watch: Matt Staff, Sr., F
Follow me on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
Leave comments below!!!!
5. Denver 9-9
- Welcome to the WAC, Denver. The Pioneers come from the Sun Belt conference as did NMSU in 2005, and finished with a record of 22-9. This team will definitely be the most talented of the four newcomers this season. Junior forward Chris Udofia averaged 14.5 ppg last season and will try to do the same kind of damage to the WAC. Sophomore forward Royce O'Neale accompanies Udofia to form one of the conference's most dangerous frontcourts in the conference.
Player to Watch: Chris Udofia, Jr., F
6. UT-San Antonio 7-11
- The University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners- not very intimidating. Don't tell that to senior guard Michael Hale III who is off to a great start averaging 16.9 ppg this season. Look for him to be a force for the Roadrunners along with fellow senior guard Kannon Burrage who is dropping 18.6 a game. They have not played a challenging schedule though, so look for the WAC to be a step up for them.
Player to Watch: Michael Hale III, Sr., G
7. San Jose State 6-12
- A lack of a supporting cast for All-WAC performer James Kinney will lead to San Jose State tying for seventh place in the WAC standings. Kinney, a senior, leads the WAC in scoring with 22.6 ppg. They are not a deep team and that will cost them- however junior forward Chris Cunningham is a double-double machine and will provide some assistance to Kinney.
Player to Watch: James Kinney, Sr., G
7. UT-Arlington 6-12
- This may be a little low for the UT-Arlington Mavericks, who could easily be a sleeper in the WAC this season and climb into the top-5. Senior forward Jordan Reeves averages a double-double and unlike SJSU, the Mavericks are a deep team. They have seven players who average at least 5.5 ppg. They are also 18th in the nation in rebounding. Watch out for them
Player to Watch: Jordan Reeves, Sr., F
9. Seattle 4-14
- The Redhawks come into the season as a cellar-dweller. Junior forward Clarence Trent and freshman Deshaun Sunderhaus each average 10 points and 7 rebounds a game... which may be why they are EIGHTH in the nation in rebounding... Yes, eighth.
Player to Watch: Clarence Trent, Jr., F
10. Texas State 3-15
- Last but not least, we have Texas State. The Bobcats are going to be overlooked a lot, and that may be just what they want. Senior forward Matt Staff and junior forward Joel Wright each average 15.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Those numbers are against however, teams by the likes of Fordham, UC-Riverside, and Division III Texas-Tyler. Yeah, don't really count on them to have a huge impact on the WAC this season.
Player to Watch: Matt Staff, Sr., F
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#PackThePanAm...Wait, What?
The Pan American Center is and has been known as one of the most hostile environments to play in as an opposing player. Lots of shouting, chanting, and energy fill up the arena. So, the more people that show up in attendance, the better the atmosphere will be? The better chance that the home team will win the game? Not for the New Mexico State Aggies. It seems that whenever NMSU plays in front of a large crowd, they cannot win. How does this make sense? Here you go...
2010-2011: 12-5 in the PanAm - Troy Gillenwater vs. the WAC.
2011-2012: 14-3 in the PanAm - Wen, Hernst, & Hom led NMState to glory.
2012-2013: 15-1 in the PanAm - Scrappy bunch came together.
2013-2014: 14-1 in the PanAm - Establishing a dynasty.
2013-2014: 14-1 in the PanAm - Establishing a dynasty.
2010-2014: 55-10 in the PanAm - .846 winning percentage at the PanAm in the last 4 seasons.
Ironically, the Aggies play better in the PanAm Center in front of smaller crowds. The smaller the crowd, the better they are. The home records indicate it. Look at these numbers below:
2010-2011: 5,859 AVG Attendance (17 games): .705 winning %
2011-2012: 5,572 AVG Attendance (17 games): .823 winning %
2012-2013: 6,199 AVG Attendance (16 games): .937 winning %
2013-2014: 5,948 AVG Attendance (15 games): .933 winning %
2013-2014: 5,948 AVG Attendance (15 games): .933 winning %
In the past 4 seasons, NMSU is 12-8 in games with an attendance of 6,190 or higher.
The only times that NMSU has lost without having 6,000+ in attendance was in 2010 when they were blown out by Saint Mary's, and later that season when they were defeated by Northern Colorado by 2 points.
Results from the past 4 seasons:
Atten. Date Opponent
10,792 02-23-13 vs. UTEP
10,019 11-15-13 vs. UTEP
9,184 12-4-13 vs. UNM
8,488 11-30-10 vs. UTEP RED = loss
10,019 11-15-13 vs. UTEP
9,184 12-4-13 vs. UNM
8,488 11-30-10 vs. UTEP RED = loss
8,361 12-28-11 vs. UNM BLACK = win
8,177 12-19-12 vs. UNM
8,205 12-04-10 vs. UNM
7,966 11-29-11 vs. Arizona
7,119 01-17-13 vs. Utah State
7,119 01-17-13 vs. Utah State
6,967 11-19-11 vs. UTEP
6,941 03-07-13 vs. Louisiana Tech
6,849 03-09-13 vs. UT-Arlington
6,644 01-19-13 vs. San Jose State
6,941 03-07-13 vs. Louisiana Tech
6,849 03-09-13 vs. UT-Arlington
6,644 01-19-13 vs. San Jose State
6,602 03-02-11 vs. Utah State
6,547 03-06-14 vs. Grand Canyon
6,434 01-25-14 vs. Texas-Pan American
6,394 01-23-13 vs. Denver
6,297 02-01-14 vs. Utah Valley
6,219 02-09-13 vs. Seattle
6,547 03-06-14 vs. Grand Canyon
6,434 01-25-14 vs. Texas-Pan American
6,394 01-23-13 vs. Denver
6,297 02-01-14 vs. Utah Valley
6,219 02-09-13 vs. Seattle
6,192 01-26-12 vs. Nevada
6,177 03-05-11 vs. Nevada
6,049 02-25-12 vs. San Jose State
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5,798 12-13-10 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
5,721 01-29-11 vs. Idaho
5,681 12-23-10 vs. Saint Mary’s
5,675 02-07-13 vs. Idaho
5,675 02-07-13 vs. Idaho
5,622 01-27-11 vs. Boise State
5,591 02-15-14 vs. Chicago State
5,591 02-15-14 vs. Chicago State
5,581 01-15-11 vs. San Jose State
5,547 01-08-11 vs. Fresno State
5,522 01-13-11 vs. Hawaii
5,488 12-18-10 vs. Pacific
5,444 11-20-13 vs. Northern Colorado
5,444 11-20-13 vs. Northern Colorado
5,331 01-28-12 vs. Fresno State
5,306 01-14-12 vs. Idaho
5,291 11-23-12 vs. UL-Lafayette
5,244 02-19-11 vs. Northern Colorado
5,223 02-23-12 vs. Hawaii
5,214 01-12-12 vs. Utah State
5,206 12-01-12 vs. Southern Miss
5,119 02-18-12 vs. Drake
5,111 01-11-14 vs. Idaho
5,111 02-13-14 vs. UMKC
5,108 01-30-14 vs. CS Bakersfield
5,111 01-11-14 vs. Idaho
5,111 02-13-14 vs. UMKC
5,108 01-30-14 vs. CS Bakersfield
5,107 11-15-12 vs. SE Louisiana
5,084 02-07-11 vs. Louisiana Tech
5,049 02-01-12 vs. CS Bakersfield
5,011 12-21-10 vs. UL-Lafayette
5,010 02-04-12 vs. Louisiana Tech
5,007 01-09-14 vs. Seattle
5,007 01-09-14 vs. Seattle
5,004 11-15-10 vs. Western NM
4,985 11-25-13 vs. Bethune-Cookman
4,951 01-05-13 vs. Texas State
4,888 12-21-13 vs. Northern NM
4,985 11-25-13 vs. Bethune-Cookman
4,951 01-05-13 vs. Texas State
4,888 12-21-13 vs. Northern NM
4,877 12-22-12 vs. Missouri State
4,844 12-21-11 vs. McNeese State
4,837 12-16-10 vs. Panhandle State
4,804 11-27-13 vs. Prairie View A&M
4,694 12-28-13 vs. South Alabama
4,804 11-27-13 vs. Prairie View A&M
4,694 12-28-13 vs. South Alabama
4,671 12-14-11 vs. Western NM
4,617 01-03-13 vs. UT-San Antonio
4,617 01-03-13 vs. UT-San Antonio
4,616 11-21-12 vs. Northern NM
4,554 12-19-11 vs. Southern
4,469 02-14-12 vs. Northern NM
4,409 12-31-11 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Follow me on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
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Follow me on Twitter: @JoeTheWigBoy
Leave Comments Below!
What's Wrong With Bandja?
This was supposed to be Bandja Sy's year. The Senior forward really broke out last season with his thrilling slam dunks and stellar 3-pt shooting. He got off to a good start in the beginning of the year showing good signs of leadership and skill, but his good play has quickly come to a halt.
Here is a look at the numbers:
11/28 @ UTEP: 1-6 FG, 0-4 (3PT), 4 pts L 54-55
12/1 vs. Southern Miss: 3-7 FG, 1-3 (3PT), 7 pts W 68-60
12/4 @ South Alabama: 4-13 FG, 0-4 (3PT), 11 pts W 58-52
12/15 @ UNM 2-14 FG, 1-5 (3PT), 5 pts L 58-73
12/19 vs. UNM 2-9 FG, 1-5 (3PT), 5 pts L 63-68
12/22 vs. Missouri St: 1-5 FG, 0-2 (3PT), 4 pts W 71-51
12/29 @ UT-Arlington 1-6 FG, 0-3 (3PT), 2 pts L 68-47
12/31 @ LaTech 3-7 FG, 0-2 (3PT), 7 pts, L 81-72
Yes, those statistics are correct. That is 17 made field goals in 67 attempts... 25.3%
Not to mention, going 3-28 from behind the arc... 10.7%
Average points per game in his last 8 games... 5.6 PPG
This is just stunning to me.
Here is a look at the numbers:
11/28 @ UTEP: 1-6 FG, 0-4 (3PT), 4 pts L 54-55
12/1 vs. Southern Miss: 3-7 FG, 1-3 (3PT), 7 pts W 68-60
12/4 @ South Alabama: 4-13 FG, 0-4 (3PT), 11 pts W 58-52
12/15 @ UNM 2-14 FG, 1-5 (3PT), 5 pts L 58-73
12/19 vs. UNM 2-9 FG, 1-5 (3PT), 5 pts L 63-68
12/22 vs. Missouri St: 1-5 FG, 0-2 (3PT), 4 pts W 71-51
12/29 @ UT-Arlington 1-6 FG, 0-3 (3PT), 2 pts L 68-47
12/31 @ LaTech 3-7 FG, 0-2 (3PT), 7 pts, L 81-72
Yes, those statistics are correct. That is 17 made field goals in 67 attempts... 25.3%
Not to mention, going 3-28 from behind the arc... 10.7%
Average points per game in his last 8 games... 5.6 PPG
This is just stunning to me.
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