Aggies Set to Defend Home Court Against Bearkats in Las Cruces Showdown

As the New Mexico State Aggies prepare to host the Sam Houston State Bearkats at the Pan American Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Aggies have shown resilience and skill in their recent games, and this upcoming match is an opportunity for them to solidify their reputation as formidable contenders on their home turf.

In their last game on December 23 against Tulsa's Golden Hurricane, the Aggies fell just short, scoring 59 points against Tulsa's 65. Despite a strong first half where they led with 37 points, NMSU couldn't maintain their momentum into the second half. However, they displayed impressive stats with a two-point shooting percentage of 56 percent and an outstanding free throw percentage of 90 percent. Their rebounding was also notable with a total of 41 rebounds.

Earlier on December 20 against Stephen F. Austin's Lumberjacks, NMSU showed off their ability to fight back in the second half by scoring an impressive 50 points but ultimately lost by a narrow margin of three points (72-75). Their three-point shooting improved significantly from previous games to a solid 40 percent.

The most telling performance came from December 16 when NMSU hosted New Mexico Lobos at home – mirroring the upcoming scenario against SHSU. The Aggies emerged victorious with a score of 72-73 in what was an intense battle that saw them excel in fast breaks (18 points) and capitalize on turnovers (20 points). Their field goal percentage stood at nearly half (49 percent), while they shot an admirable three-point percentage of 45 percent.

These past performances suggest that NMSU has both strengths and weaknesses that could tip the scales in this next game. They've demonstrated tenacity when playing from behind and have been particularly effective during fast breaks and capitalizing on opponent turnovers.

The Bearkats should not be underestimated though; any lapses in defense or periods of low offensive productivity could give SHSU openings they need to take control of the game. It will be crucial for NMSU to maintain defensive pressure throughout all quarters while continuing to exploit fast break opportunities as effectively as they have shown capable.

Fans can expect another nail-biter as these two teams clash on February 23rd at Pan American Center – tip-off is scheduled for February 22nd at local time Las Cruces which translates into February 23rd at international time zone standards (02:00 AM GMT). For those unable to attend in person, CBS Sports Network will broadcast all live-action starting from channel number two hundred twenty-one.