Aggies' Effort Falls Short Against Panthers at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
In a closely contested conference game, the New Mexico State Aggies faced off against the Florida International Panthers. The Aggies, who entered the match with an unranked status, were unable to secure a victory, falling to the Panthers with a final score of 67-77. The loss moves their record further away from equilibrium.
The New Mexico State Aggies started strong in the first half of the game, putting up 30 points against the Panthers' 38. However, despite their efforts and an improved second-half performance yielding 37 points, it was not enough to overcome their opponents. The team's shooting accuracy from beyond the arc stood at 32 percent with seven three-pointers made out of twenty-two attempts. From two-point range, they managed a slightly better rate of 47 percent by making fifteen out of thirty-two shots.
The Aggies showed commendable precision from the free-throw line with an impressive 80 percent success rate; sixteen free throws were made from twenty attempts. They demonstrated tenacity in defense as well as offense by grabbing thirty personal rebounds—twenty-five defensive and five offensive—and adding two team rebounds for a total rebound count of thirty-two.
Despite these efforts, turnovers proved costly for New Mexico State as they gave up possession thirteen times which led to twelve points for Florida International University (FIU). Moreover, FIU capitalized on their opportunities by scoring twenty-one points off turnovers compared to twelve by NMSU.
On individual performances for NMSU: players fought hard on both ends but also faced discipline issues with one player fouling out and accumulating twenty-six personal fouls over the course of play which may have impacted their rhythm and ability to maintain pressure on FIU.
Looking ahead after this setback, fans can mark their calendars for an upcoming home game where New Mexico State will host Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Pan American Center in Las Cruces on January 18th at 8:00 PM local time. This encounter promises another opportunity for redemption and will be available for viewing on ESPN+.