Despite 26 turnovers, New Mexico State closes Loyola Marymount for third straight win

LOS ANGELES, California - Looking at the stat sheet, it was a game New Mexico State probably should have lost.

But the mark of a winner, the Aggies hung their hat on the defensive end down the stretch and closed out Loyola Marymount 63-58 for their third straight win.

"They're starting to play more like some of our teams," said coach Chris Jans of his team's identity. "They're showing some of these characteristics of some of thee teams that we've had in the past with just locking in and digging down and competitive spirit."

The Aggies turned the ball over 26 times, and went the final 7:38 of the game without a made field goal. A Jabari Rice midrange jumper put NMSU up 51-44, but that was the last time an An Aggie made a basket from the floor.

New Mexico State scored 12 more points the rest of the way, all from the charity stripe, and smothered the Lions (6-4) on their own home floor.

It's the third straight win for New Mexico State, with the wins coming by a combined 10 points.

Donnie Tillman missed the game entirely for the Aggies as he recovers from injury, but 5th-year senior Clayton Henry made his season debut off the bench.

Next up: Wednesday night at Washington State. Tipoff is set for 8pm from Pullman.