Aggies Open WAC Play at Louisiana Tech

This Week

The New Mexico State men’s basketball team begins 2012 WAC play at Louisiana Tech, Saturday, Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. in Ruston, La. The game is available on KGRT 104 FM with the ‘Voice of the Aggies’ Jack Nixon, and the pregame show starts 30 minutes prior to tip.

New Mexico State Aggies

The Aggies are 10-5 this season following a 73-72 win at Cal State Bakersfield, Jan. 2. NM State has two players in double figures with redshirt senior Wendell McKines leading the way with 17.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and senior guard Hernst Laroche provides 11.3 points per game.

Scouting Louisiana Tech

The Bulldogs posted an 8-7 pre-conference record following a 73-65 loss at SMU, Dec. 31. Louisiana Tech has three players in double figures with freshman guard Raheem Appleby posting a team-high 11.7 points per game. Senior guard Trevor Gaskins and sophomore guard Cordarius Johnson add 10.7 and 10.1 points per contest, respectively.

Series Notes

The Aggies have a 12-3 all-time series lead over the Bulldogs. NM State has won the last four games in the series including a season sweep last year.

Previous Meeting

The Aggies escaped Louisiana Tech with a 50-49 victory to record its second WAC road win of the year, Feb. 12, 2011, after guard Hernst Laroche made two free throws with 12.2 seconds remaining in regulation. With the Aggies down one, 49-48, Laroche drew a foul and sank both free throws to reclaim lead the 50-49. He finished the game with seven points, three assists and three steals. Center Hamidu Rahman led the Aggies with a team-high 14 points.

Watson Hits Game-Winning Free Throws, Aggies Survive

Junior forward Tyrone Watson hit two free throws with 0.9 seconds remaining in regulation to give NM State a 73-72 win at Cal State Bakersfield, Jan. 2. Freshman guard Daniel Mullings had a career-high 21 points for the Aggies. Watson ended the night with nine points going 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines was the only other Aggie in double digits with 12 points.

Aggies Start Strong in Non-Conference Slate

With a win at Cal State Bakersfield, NM State improved to 10-5 on the season. The 10 wins tied the best pre-conference start since the 2006-07 season and is the best start under head coach Marvin Menzies.

It Keeps Getting Better

The Aggies had a season-best night at Cal State Bakersfield, Jan. 2. As a team, NM State tied the season-high mark with 35 free throws made (35-of-44). The Aggies also recorded the best free throw percentage (79.5).

Mullings Shines against Roadunners

Freshman guard Daniel Mullings had a breakout game at Cal State Bakersfield, Jan. 2. He scored a career-high 21 points on a 7-of-10 shooting performance. The seven made field goals along with seven made free throws are both career-best showings. Mullings also played a career-high 38 minutes.

Against the WAC

As a team, the Aggies are leading the WAC in scoring offense (78.0 points per game), scoring margin (+8.0), rebounding margin (+7.1), rebounding offense (40.0 per game) and offensive rebounds (14.67 per game). NM State also ranks second in rebounding defense (32.9), steals (104) and third in field goal percentage (44.8).

Individually, redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines ranks first in rebounding (10.5), second in scoring (17.9 points per game) and ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (37.9). Senior guard Hernst Laroche is tied for second in steals (22), fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.93), sixth in assists (54), seventh in 3-point field goal percentage (40.0) and 10th in field goal percentage (48.0). Senior center Hamidu Rahman ranks seventh in rebounds (6.9). Freshman guard Daniel Mullings is seventh in steals (20), while junior forward Bandja Sy is seventh in blocked shots (14) as of Jan. 4.

Across the Country

The Aggies rank No. 21 in the NCAA in rebounding margin (+7.2) and No. 29 in scoring offense (78.4). Individually, redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines is eighth in double-doubles (8), No. 14 in rebounding (10.7) and No. 47 in points per game (18.4) as of Jan. 1.

Strong Second-Half Showings

The Aggies have had strong second-half performances this season. NM State has surged in the second half and outscored opponents by 94 points, 619-525, as of Jan. 2.

Driving to the Basket

The Aggies haven’t been afraid to drive to the basket this season. NM State has taken 540 free throw attempts in 15 games and has 244 more attempts than its opponents. The Aggies have made more free throws (363) then the opponents have attempted (296). As a team, NM State is shooting 67.2 percent from the line, as of Jan. 2.

Aggies Own the Glass

NM State has a renewed focus on rebounding this season with a very experience front court. The Aggies have a +7.1 rebounding margin and 600-493 advantage on the boards. On the offensive glass, the Aggies have 56 more rebounds than their opponents (219-163). Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines is averaging 10.5 rebounds, and senior center Hamidu Rahman is adding 6.9 boards per game, as of Jan. 2.

de Rouen Sidelined for the Season

Freshman guard Terrel de Rouen suffered a knee injury against McNeese State that will cause the Las Cruces native to miss the reminder of the season. He appeared in six games with 13 points and six rebounds.

Kabongo to Transfer from Aggies

NM State head coach Marvin Menzies has granted sophomore guard Christian Kabongo an official release. Kabongo played in 11 games in 2011-12 and averaged 14.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Menzies Is the Fifth Winningest Coach at NM State

Head coach Marvin Menzies recorded his 80th victory at NM State in 2011-12. Following the 91-66 win over Southern, Dec. 19, he moved into fifth on the all-time winningest coaches list in program history.

All-Time Winningest Coaches (by victories)

1. Lou Henson-289

2. Neil McCarthy-229

3. Jerry Hines-157

4. Presley Askew-135

5. Marvin Menzies-86

6. Weldon Drew-82

McKines Leading the Way in His Final Season

Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines looks to leave a lasting legacy in his fifth season in Las Cruces. McKines has eight double-doubles this season. He has scored in double figures in 14 games and grabbed double-digit rebounds in nine games. He became the 28th member of the 1,000-point club at NM State with his first field goal at Southern Miss, Dec. 4.

Laroche is a Dual Threat

Senior point guard Hernst Laroche has been a model of consistency in his Aggie career. This season, Laroche has scored in double digits in 8 of the 15 games. He has also notched five or more assists in five games with a season-high seven assists against San Francisco.

Rahman Controlling the Paint

Senior center Hamidu Rahman is an anchor for the Aggies in the middle. He has seven double-figure games and has a minimum of four rebounds in each game. He tied a career high with three assists against San Francisco. Rahman has attempted multiple free throws in every game. He recorded his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds against Western New Mexico, Dec. 14. Rahman scored a season-high 19 points against New Mexico, Dec. 28.

Watson Maintains Supporting Role

Junior forward Tyrone Watson has started in 14 games this season. He scored a season-high 11 points at UTEP, Dec. 11. Watson also has posted three or more assists in six games in 2011-12 including a season-high six assists at Cal State Bakersfield, Jan. 2.

Record Watch

Senior guard Hernst Laroche returned for his final season in Las Cruces and started his 100th consecutive game at Northern Colorado, Nov. 12. Jonathan Gibson has the school record in games played with 131. Laroche has 3,668 career minutes played, and he moved into No. 2 on the school record list at the Great Alaska Shootout. He needs just 115 minutes to tie all-time leader Eric Channing (3,783) as of Jan. 2.

Laroche also ranks second on the all-time list for career assists (470) at NM State. He trails Sam Crawford by 122 assists (592).

Career Leaders in Assists

1. Sam Crawford-592

2. Hernst Laroche-470

3. Keith Hill-379

4. Ernest Patterson-371

5. Steve Colter-347

Aggie Double-Doubles

NM State has tallied nine double-doubles this season. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines has 35 career double-doubles and eight this season. Senior center Hamidu Rahman also has a double-double this year as of Jan. 2.

Rahman Climbs the Ladder

Senior center Hamidu Rahman currently has 105 career blocked shots. He is now No. 4 on the Aggie all-time list as of Jan. 2.

Career Leaders in Blocked Shots

1. James Moore-200

2. Slab Jones-124

3. Charles Goza-116

4. Hamidu Rahman-105

5. Johnny Roberson-98

6. Sam Lacey-92

7. Martin Iti-82

McKines Returns to the Hardwood

Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines returned in 2011-12 after being sidelined last year due to a broken foot he sustained in mid-October. An All-WAC honorable mention selection in 2009-10, he ranks No. 3 on the all-time rebounding list at NM State with 918 boards and No. 17 in scoring with 1,137 career points. McKines has posted eight double-doubles in 2011-12 and has 35 in his career as of Jan. 2.

Career Leaders in Rebounds

1. Sam Lacey 1,265

2. Slab Jones 951

3. Wendell McKines 918

4. George Knighton 866

5. Billy Joe Price 824

6. Charles Gosa 788

Aggies Beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 81-65

NM State defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 81-65, with five players in double figures. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines tallied a game-high 22 points and 14 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the year and 35th of his career. Senior guard Hernst Laroche added 15 points, and junior forward Bandja Sy supplied 13 points and a career-high four blocked shots off the bench. As a team, the Aggies blocked a season-high eight shots against the Golden Lions. Senior center Hamidu Rahman and freshman guard Daniel Mullings scored 11 points each.

Aggies Stumble against New Mexico

NM State fell to New Mexico, 89-69, Dec. 28. The Aggies split the season series with their in-state rivals after winning the first meeting of the year in Albuquerque. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines recorded a game-high 25 points and 15 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the year and 34th of the career. Senior center Hamidu Rahman added a season-high 19 points.

Aggies Beat McNeese State 82-62

NM State defeated McNeese State, 82-62, to improve to 8-4 on the season, Dec. 21. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines directed the Aggies with 23 points and a career-high 17 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season and 33rd of his career. He moved into third all-time on NM State’s career rebounding list with his second rebound of the game. McKines has 882 career rebounds and only trails Sam Lacey (1,265) and Slab Jones (951). Off the bench, sophomore guard Christian Kabongo added 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, and junior forward Bandja Sy supplied 13. As a team, the Aggies shot a season-best 58 percent from the field (29-of-50).

Aggies Tame Jaguars 91-66

NM State coasted to a 91-66 win over Southern, Dec. 19. The Aggies improved to 7-4 with four players in double figures. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines directed the Crimson and White with 20 points and a career-high 16 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. Senior center Hamidu Rahman anchored the inside presence with a season-high 16 points and nine rebounds. Senior guard Hernst Laroche and freshman guard Daniel Mullings added 14 points each, which is a career-high mark for Mullings.

Aggies Cruise to 92-65 Win

The Aggies opened a five-game home stand with a 92-65 win over Western New Mexico, Dec. 14. NM State had four players in double figures. Senior guard Hernst Laroche and redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines paced the team with 18 points each. Laroche not only had a season-high scoring performance but also a season-best five steals. Senior center Hamidu Rahman recorded his first double-double of the year with 13 points and 13 rebounds, which were season-high marks. Sophomore center Tshilidzi Nephawe tied a season-best showing with 12 points.

Aggies Clipped at UTEP

In the second game of the Sonic Battle of 1-10, NM State fell at UTEP, 73-69, Dec. 11. Senior guard Hernst Laroche led the Aggies with a season-high 16 points on 4-of-4 shooting from the 3-point line. Junior forward Tyrone Watson was also in double figures with a season-high 11 points.

Laroche Nets Season High in I-10 Rematch

Senior guard Hernst Laroche scored a season-high 16 points to lead the Aggies in the Battle of I-10 rematch at UTEP, Dec. 11. He had a team-high showing on a 4-of-4 shooting performance from the 3-point line, which tied a career-high for 3-pointers made. Laroche also had three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Watson Steps Up in El Paso

Junior forward Tyrone Watson scored a season-high 11 points in the Battle of I-10 rematch at UTEP, Dec. 11. He also tied a career high with four steals and grabbed three rebounds along with an assist.

Aggies Find Touch from Long Range

In the Battle of I-10 rematch at UTEP, Dec. 11, the Aggies hit a season-high 10 3-pointers. They also had a season-best shooting performance for the 3-point line (47.6 percent).

Aggies off to a Great Start

With the Great Alaska Shootout tournament-opening win over Central Michigan, Nov. 24, the Aggies recorded only their third 4-0 start since the 1992-93 season, when they won the Shootout in 1992.

McKines Earns WAC Player of the Week Honor

Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines was named the Verizon WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 14-20. The honor marks the first career WAC Player of the Week award for McKines. He averaged 18.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.0 assists per game. He shot 37.0 percent (10-of-27) from the field and 75.0 percent (15-of-20) from the free throw line.

Looking Ahead

The Aggies host Utah State, Thursday, Jan. 12 and Idaho, Saturday, Jan. 14 inside the Pan American Center in their WAC home opening weekend. Both games tip-off at 7 p.m.

Source: NMSU Athletics