Aggies Edge Out Hilltoppers in a Nail-Biter at Pan American Center
In a closely contested matchup, the New Mexico State Aggies emerged victorious with a final score of 72-70 over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. The Aggies now stand with an improved record, while the Hilltoppers face another setback in their season tally.
The game held at the Pan American Center saw an attendance of 5,243 fans who witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum as the Aggies overturned a first-half deficit. Initially trailing with only 27 points to the Hilltoppers' 37 by halftime, the Aggies mounted an impressive comeback in the second half by adding 45 points to their score while holding their opponents to 33.
The New Mexico State Aggies showcased resilience and strategic execution throughout the game. Despite shooting just 38 percent from field goals and struggling with only a 34 percent success rate on two-point attempts, they excelled beyond the arc hitting an impressive 44 percent of three-point shots. This sharpshooting accounted for twelve made three-pointers that significantly contributed to their scoring surge.
Defensively, both teams were evenly matched with each recording three blocks and nearly equal personal fouls; however, it was in steals where the Aggies showed superiority by claiming ten against eight from their opponents. The defensive pressure applied by New Mexico State resulted in fourteen points off turnovers compared to thirteen for Western Kentucky.
On offense, assists played a crucial role for both sides as they facilitated scoring opportunities. The Hilltoppers managed seventeen assists but were slightly outdone by an assist-to-turnover ratio of one from New Mexico State which posted twelve assists and maintained better ball control with fewer turnovers at eleven against eighteen from Western Kentucky.
Rebounding was another area where competition was fierce; however, despite being outrebounded thirty-nine to thirty-one overall, it was offensive rebounds where New Mexico State capitalized most effectively securing ten which led them to eleven second-chance points.
Looking ahead after this hard-fought victory on home turf, fans can anticipate watching future games including when New Mexico State will host Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Pan American Center on January 20th at 7:00 PM Mountain Time. This upcoming event will be available for viewing on ESPN+ through internet broadcast networks.