Laroche Nets Season-High 21, Aggies Fall to Nevada

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Jan. 26)-Despite a season-high 21 points from senior guard Hernst Laroche, the New Mexico State men’s basketball team’s last comeback against Nevada fell short, 68-60.

The Aggies fell to 14-7, 4-2 in their first WAC home loss of the season, while the Wolf Pack won its 14th straight game and improved to 17-3, 6-0.

Laroche hit two of his four 3-pointers in the Aggies’ 13-0 run to cut Nevada’s lead to five, 62-57, with 2:06 remaining. He also had an assist in the rally. NM State held the Wolf Pack without a field goal for over five minutes.

With 7:08 to play in the second half, the Aggies trailed Nevada, 62-44, but a three-point play from redshirt senior forward Wendell McKines started a NM State run. McKines ended the game with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Laroche followed with a pair of 3-pointers before finding sophomore center Tshilidzi Nephawe for a dunk on the next possession. Nephawe then hit two free throws with 2:06 left to bring the Aggies within five, 62-57.

At halftime, the Aggies trailed Nevada, 44-30. Laroche led the way with nine points, and McKines added six points and five rebounds. The Aggies won the rebounding battle, 17-12, including 11 offensive rebounds for 11 second chance points.

NM State hosts Fresno State, Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. for the Lou Henson Classic.

Source: NMSU Athletics