NMSU Basketball Achieves Historic 6-0 Start: What Fueled the Success?
New Mexico State University (NMSU) basketball has made history with an impressive 6-0 start to the season. This marks the Aggies’ best beginning since the 1969-70 season, which ended with a trip to the Final Four. The team achieved this milestone following a successful run at the Cancun Challenge and a home victory over Samford.
NMSU’s Strong Season Start
The Aggies kicked off their season with a narrow win over Adams State, where they triumphed 83-72. Key players included:
- Jemel Jones: 23 points
- Cyr Malonga: 16 points
- Julius Mims: 12 points
Defensively, NMSU demonstrated strength by forcing 23 turnovers and limiting the Grizzlies to under 40% shooting.
Key Matches and Performances
The second game against New Mexico Highlands ended favorably for the Aggies, with a score of 74-58. NMSU performed well defensively, holding the Cowboys to 21 turnovers and limiting their scoring after a tight first half. Jemel Jones scored 24 points, while Anthony Wrzeszcz added 15.
A critical matchup followed against the University of New Mexico, where NMSU pulled off a hard-fought 76-68 victory. The Aggies trailed at halftime but improved their shooting to secure the win. Notable performers included:
- Anthony Wrzeszcz: 16 points
- Jemel Jones: 15 points
Against Samford, the Aggies won 81-72, showcasing their offensive skills with a season-best shooting percentage of 54.4%. Key contributions came from Julius Mims, who scored 17 points and recorded 11 rebounds for his first double-double.
Defensive Strengths
NMSU’s victory over UC Irvine (57-45) highlighted their defensive prowess, holding the Anteaters to under 30% shooting. Jae’Coby Osborne stepped up from the bench to contribute 10 points.
The Aggies continued their solid performance against Georgia State, winning 77-58. NMSU excelled with their own shooting, particularly from three-point range, achieving a 39.1% success rate. Key scorers included:
- Elijah Elliott: 11 points
- Chris Terrell: 11 points
With this winning momentum, the Aggies will face a challenging three-game stretch in Texas, starting with South Alabama on December 2, followed by games against Abilene Christian and Tulsa.
Conclusion
NMSU’s historic 6-0 start is driven by a balanced combination of offensive firepower and tenacious defense. The upcoming games will be critical as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak throughout the season.
