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!

Photo Credit: Robin Zielinski (LC Sun-News)