NMSU Downs UNM in Pit for First Time Since 2002

NMSU's Marvin Menzies

NMStateSports - ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 16)-The New Mexico State men's basketball team utilized a strong defensive effort to defeat in-state rival New Mexico, 62-53. This was the first win for the Aggies (2-0) in The Pit since Dec. 15, 2002. Senior forward Wendell McKines led the way with 14 second-half points and a game-high nine rebounds. Junior forward Bandja Sy added 12 points including a late three-point play and critical blocked shot in the final 30 seconds of the game. Senior center Hamidu Rahman provided 10 points and five rebounds. In the second half, NM State held the Lobos to 19 percent shooting (4-of-21), while the Aggies shot 60 percent (12-of-20). There were six ties and five lead changes in second half. Following a timeout at 8:24, the Aggies scored four straight points with a McKines jumper and freshman guard Daniel Mullings layup to take a 50-45 lead, which the team didn't give up. With the Aggies up two, 55-53, senior guard Hernst Laroche hit two free throws with 54 seconds left. The defense held strong and Sy blocked a 3-pointer that lead to a floater and foul to extend the lead to 60-53 with 21 seconds left.

NMSU Downs UNM in Pit for First Time Since 2002