Clash at Pan American Center: New Mexico State Aggies vs. New Mexico Lobos in Men's Basketball Showdown

As the New Mexico State Aggies prepare to host their rivals, the New Mexico Lobos, at the Pan American Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a riveting encounter in men's basketball. The upcoming game scheduled for December 16 is not just another match; it's a battle for state supremacy.

The NMSU have shown remarkable resilience and skill in their recent games. On December 13 against Northern New Mexico Eagles, they secured a hard-fought victory with a score of 76-71. Their performance was notable for an impressive second-half comeback where they outscored the Eagles by 16 points. The team demonstrated strong defensive prowess with 10 blocks and an aggressive offense that saw them achieve a field goal percentage of 54 and two-point shooting at an impressive rate of 60 percent.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing as their free throw accuracy was less than stellar at only 58 percent and they managed just three offensive rebounds throughout the game – areas that will need improvement if they are to overcome their next opponents.

The Lobos come off an overwhelming victory over NMSU on December 3rd with a staggering scoreline of 106-62. This result cannot be ignored as it showcased UNM’s offensive firepower; shooting over half from both field goals and three-point range – numbers that could spell trouble for any defense.

But basketball isn't played on paper or past performances alone; it's about who shows up on game day. The Aggies have home-court advantage this time around, which could play into their favor as they look to feed off the energy from their supporters in Las Cruces.

NMSU must focus on tightening up defensively while also capitalizing on every scoring opportunity if they wish to avoid a repeat of their last encounter with UNM. They'll need to control the paint both defensively and offensively while also finding ways to disrupt Lobos' rhythm without sending them too often to the free-throw line where they've shown proficiency.

With strategic adjustments and relentless determination, there is every reason for fans to believe that NMSU can turn things around against UNM when they meet under the bright lights of Pan American Center.

Fans eager not to miss this thrilling matchup can catch all the action live on CBS Sports Network channel number 221 starting at 9:00 PM local time (Mountain Time).