Aggies Host Nevada and Fresno State
This Week
The New Mexico State men’s basketball team begins a four-game home stand with a pair of WAC games. The Aggies host Nevada, Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. for a fight for first place in the conference inside the Pan American Center. The Aggies also meet Fresno State, Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the annual Lou Henson Classic.
The Nevada game is shown live on AggieVision and broadcast across New Mexico on Comcast, Altitude2, KVIA 24/7 (Channel 7.3), ESPN Full Court and ESPN3. The Fresno State contest is also available on AggieVision, Comcast, Fox Sports-Arizona Plus, CW (Channel 7.2) and ESPN Full Court. Both the Nevada and Fresno State games are WAC Sports Network broadcasts. The games are available on KGRT 104 FM with the ‘Voice of the Aggies’ Jack Nixon, and the pregame show starts 30 minutes prior to tip. The contests are also available in Spanish on Vista 98 FM with Martin Cortez.
New Mexico State Aggies
The Aggies are 14-6 this season and 4-1 in the WAC after suffering their first loss of conference play at Hawai’i, 91-87, Jan. 21. NM State has three players in double figures with redshirt senior Wendell McKines leading the way with 18.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Senior guard Hernst Laroche provides 12.1 points per game, and senior center Hamidu Rahman adds 10.4 points per game.
Scouting Nevada
The Wolf Pack is 16-3 and 5-0 in the WAC after its 13th straight win with a 74-61 victory over Fresno State, 74-61, Jan. 21 in Reno, Nev. Sophomore guard Deonte Burton posts a team-high 15.6 points per game. Junior guard Malik Story and senior forward Olek Czyz are contributing 14.5 points and 11.4 points per game, respectively.
Series Notes
The Aggies have a 19-15 lead in the all-time series. Last year, NM State won two of three meetings including the last two games. Nevada won the first contest in Reno, 90-71, Jan. 20, 2011. The Aggies won the game in Las Cruces, 77-68, March 5, 2011 and then 66-60, March 10, 2011 in the WAC Tournament Quarterfinals in Las Vegas, Nev.
Previous Game
In the 2011 WAC Tournament Quarterfinals, NM State defeated Nevada, 66-60, March 10, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Aggies advanced to the tournament semifinals for the sixth consecutive season. Forward Troy Gillenwater scored a game-high 18 points along with a season-high four blocked shots. Guard Gordo Castillo added 14 points, which included a 10-of-10 performance at the free-throw line. Guard Hernst Laroche was also in double-digits with 11. The Aggies used a strong second-half effort to eliminate Nevada from the WAC Tournament for the second straight year.
Scouting Fresno State
The Bulldogs are 9-12 overall and 1-4 in the WAC after a 74-61 loss at Nevada. Fresno State travels to Louisiana Tech, Thursday, Jan. 26, before meeting the Aggies. Sophomore guard Kevin Olekaibe is the leading scorer for the Bulldogs with 18.1 points per game, while senior guard Jonathan Wills adds 11.0 points per game.
Series Notes
The Aggies have a 22-13 series advantage after a season split last year. Both teams won on their home floor. NM State won the first meeting, 80-68, Jan. 18, 2011 but fell at Fresno State, 88-83, in overtime, Feb. 3.
Previous Game
In the third overtime game of the season, NM State lost at Fresno State, 88-83, Feb. 3, 2011. Forward Troy Gillenwater scored a game-high 33 points in the second overtime contest in the last three games. Forward Tyrone Watson supplied 14 points, and guards Hernst Laroche and Christian Kabongo provided 10 points each.
Lou Henson Classic
Since the inception of the Lou Henson Classic in the 2006-07 season, the Aggies are 6-1 in the classic. NM State has won the last four games with wins over Pacific, 69-64, Dec. 18, 2010, Texas Southern, 79-75, Dec. 23, 2009, Sacramento State, 76-65, Dec. 11, 2008 and Chicago State, 94-61, Nov. 30, 2007. The only loss in the classic was to North Texas, 75-72, Dec. 1, 2007. The Aggies defeated Chicago State, 80-74, Dec. 1, 2006, and San Francisco, 89-78, Dec. 2, 2006.
Late Rally Falls Short at Hawai’i
Despite a late second-half rally, NM State fell at Hawai’i, 91-87, Jan. 21, which snapped a six-game win streak. The Aggies suffered their first loss in WAC play with five players in double-figures. Junior forward Bandja Sy collected his first-career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, both career-high marks. Senior center Hamidu Rahman had 16 points, while redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Senior guard Hernst Laroche supplied 13 points, and freshman guard Daniel Mullings added 12.
NM State-Hawai’i notes
At Hawai’i, the Aggies set season-high marks in four categories including field goals made (33), field goal attempts (81), assists (18) and steals (16). NM State also suffered its first loss of the season when it scores 80 points for more. The Aggies are 10-1 when scoring 80 points or more.
Aggies Cruise at San Jose State
NM State coasted to a 79-63 win at San Jose State, Jan. 19. The Aggies earned their second WAC road win of the year for their sixth straight victory. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines scored a game-high 24 points, while senior center Hamidu Rahman had a season-high 20 points. Senior guard Hernst Laroche added 15 points. With his second field goal of the game, Laroche became the 29th member of the 1,000-point club at NM State. He is the second player to join the elite club this season. Laroche also broke the school record for career minutes played (3,811) that Eric Channing previously held (3,783).
NM State-San Jose State notes
The Aggies earned their first 4-0 start to WAC play since 2006-07 with the win. The Crimson and White also had a six-game win streak was the first since 2006-07.
Aggies Win Fifth Straight
The Aggies won their fifth consecutive game with an 80-68 victory over Idaho, Jan. 14. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines led all scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds for his 11th double-double of the year and 38th of his career. Senior guard Hernst Laroche had a season-high 20 points on a 5-of-10 performance from the field including a 3-for-5 showing at the 3-point line. The Crimson and White post players also contributed with 12 points from senior Hamidu Rahman and 10 points from sophomore Tshilidzi Nephawe.
NM State-Idaho notes
With the 80-68 win over the Vandals, the Aggies recorded their fifth consecutive victory of the year, which is the longest streak of the season. NM State improved to 10-0 this season when it scores 80 points or more. The Aggies shot a season-high 58.7 field goal percentage (27-46) against Idaho.
Laroche is an Aggie Iron Man
With his 118th consecutive game started at San Jose State, Jan. 19, senior guard Hernst Laroche became the 29th member of the 1,000-point club at NM State with his second field goal of the game. He also became the all-time school record for career minutes played in the game. Laroche now has 3,847 career minutes, and he broke the record Eric Channing previously held (3,783).
Rahman Rocks the Paint
Senior center Hamidu Rahman helped the Aggies to a 4-0 start in WAC play for the first time since the 2006-07 season with a season-high 20 points in the 79-63 win at San Jose State, Jan. 19. It was also the sixth consecutive win for the Aggies, which was the longest winning streak since the 2006-07 season. He was 7-of-7 from the field and 6-of-9 at the free-throw line with eight rebounds. Rahman also had two blocked shots, two steals, both season-high marks, and an assist. At Hawai’i, Rahman scored 16 points with six rebounds. He was 7-of-12 from the field and with a blocked shot and steal.
Across the Country
The Aggies rank No. 19 in the NCAA in rebounding margin (+7.1) and No. 21 in scoring offense (79.0). Individually, redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines is eighth in double-doubles (11), No. 16 in rebounding (10.5) and No. 34 in points per game (18.4) as of Jan. 22.
Aggie Double-Doubles
NM State has tallied 13 double-doubles this season. Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines has 38 career double-doubles and 11 this season. Senior center Hamidu Rahman also has a double-double this year. Junior forward Bandja Sy posted his first career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds at Hawai’i, as of Jan. 22.
Against the WAC
As a team, the Aggies are leading the WAC in scoring offense (78.9 points per game), scoring margin (+8.7), rebounding margin (+7.0), rebounding offense (40.2 per game) and offensive rebounds (14.45 per game). NM State also ranks second in rebounding defense (33.2), defensive rebounds (25.75) and third in field goal percentage (46.3) and steals (139).
Individually, redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines ranks first in rebounding (10.5) and scoring (18.4 points per game) and 10th in 3-point field goal percentage (37.5). Senior guard Hernst Laroche is first in steals (36), fifth in assist/turnover ratio (1.65), sixth in assists (71), third in 3-point field goal percentage (43.1) and 10th in field goal percentage (49.0). Senior center Hamidu Rahman is first in the league in field goal percentage (63.4) and sixth in rebounds (6.6). Freshman guard Daniel Mullings is tied for sixth in steals (26), while junior forward Bandja Sy is ninth in blocked shots (15) as of Jan. 23.
In conference games only, the Aggies rank first in scoring offense (81.8), 3-point field goal percentage defense (26.8), rebounding offense (40.8) rebounding margin (+6.8) and defensive rebounds (27.00). NM State is second in scoring margin (+10.8), field goal percentage (50.3), field goal percentage defense (40.1) and offensive rebounds (13.80). The team ranks third in assists (70) and steals (35).
Individually, McKines ranks third in rebounding (10.4), second in scoring (19.8), ninth in field goal percentage (53.8) and 10th in free throw percentage (75.0). Laroche is first in steals (14), third in 3-point field goal percentage (50.0), tied for ninth in assists (17), tied for eighth in 3-poitners made (9) and 10th in assist/turnover ratio (1.13). Rahman ranks fifth in field goal percentage (63.6), tied for ninth in rebounding (5.8) and tied for sixth in blocked shots (6). Junior forward Tyrone Watson is seventh in field goal percentage (58.1), sixth in assists (20) and seventh in assists/turnover ratio (1.54). Mullings is tied for ninth in rebounding (5.8) with Sy. Sophomore center Tshilidzi Nephawe ranks sixth in free throw percentage (78.6) as of Jan. 23.
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 139 points, 844-705, as of Jan. 22.
Driving to the Basket
The Aggies haven’t been afraid to drive to the basket this season. NM State has taken 627 free throw attempts in 20 games and has 264 more attempts than its opponents. The Aggies have made more free throws (450) then the opponents have attempted (406). As a team, NM State is shooting 67.2 percent from the line, as of Jan. 22.
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, which ranks No. 19 in the country, and 804-663 advantage on the boards. On the offensive glass, the Aggies have 61 more rebounds than their opponents (288-227). Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines is averaging 10.5 rebounds, and senior center Hamidu Rahman is adding 6.6 boards per game, as of Jan. 22.
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-90
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 11 double-doubles this season. He has scored in double figures in 19 games and grabbed double-digit rebounds in 12 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 13 of the 20 games. He has also notched five or more assists in six 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 12 double-figure games and five or more rebounds in 18 games. 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 20 points at San Jose State, Jan. 19.
Watson Maintains Supporting Role
Junior forward Tyrone Watson has started in 19 games this season. He scored a season-high 14 points at Louisiana Tech, Jan. 7. Watson also has posted three or more assists in 11 games in 2011-12 including a season-high six assists at Cal State Bakersfield, Jan. 2, and at San Jose State, Jan. 19.
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 3,847 career minutes played, and he moved into No. 1 spot on the school record list at San Jose State, Jan. 19.
Laroche also ranks second on the all-time list for career assists (487) at NM State. He trails Sam Crawford by 105 assists (592).
Career Leaders in Assists
1. Sam Crawford-592
2. Hernst Laroche-487
3. Keith Hill-379
4. Ernest Patterson-371
5. Steve Colter-347
Rahman Climbs the Ladder
Senior center Hamidu Rahman currently has 111 career blocked shots. He is now No. 4 on the Aggie all-time list as of Jan. 22.
Career Leaders in Blocked Shots
1. James Moore-200
2. Slab Jones-124
3. Charles Goza-116
4. Hamidu Rahman-111
5. Johnny Roberson-98
6. Sam Lacey-92
7. Martin Iti-82
McKines Returns to the Hardwood
Redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines ranks No. 2 on the all-time rebounding list at NM State with 970 boards and No. 12 in scoring with 1,236 career points. McKines has posted 11 double-doubles in 2011-12 and has 38 in his career as of Jan. 22.
Career Leaders in Rebounds
1. Sam Lacey 1,265
2. Wendell McKines 953
3. Slab Jones 951
4. George Knighton 866
5. Billy Joe Price 824
6. Charles Gosa 788
Looking Ahead
The Aggies take a break from WAC play against Cal State Bakersfield, Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. and then host Louisiana Tech, Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. inside the Pan American Center.
Source: NMSU Athletics
