LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Senior Remi Barry scored a game-high 15 points and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe as New Mexico State topped UTEP 71-64 in the latest version of the Battle of I-10 Saturday evening at a raucous Pan American Center.
“I’m really excited about the win and anytime you have a chance to get a win against a rival it doesn’t matter what the stat sheet shows,” NM State head coach Marvin Menzies said. “It’s just about the final numbers on the scoreboard.”
The Aggies were 25-of-30 from the charity stripe and hit key free throws down the stretch. Freshman Johnathon Wilkins was 3-of-4 from the line in the waning moments and 5-of-8 on the night.
“We were efficient from the free-throw line and I’m proud of the guys tonight. They really stepped up,” added Menzies. “We counted on our younger players and they did well and it’s great for them to play in this type of environment.”
NM State started the game on the right foot. The Aggies opened up an eight-point lead when Freshman Matt Taylor slashed through the Miners’ defense at 10:25 in the first half to give the Aggies a 16-8 lead.
UTEP, however, chipped away at NM State’s lead. Over the ensuing four minutes the Miners engineered a 17-6 run and led 25-22 with 5:35 remaining in the opening stanza.
The Aggies fought back and DK Eldridge nailed a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining in the half to tie it at 35-35.
UTEP opened the second half with a 14-5 run and led 49-40 at 13:17. However, the Crimson and White went on a run of its own. Freshman Braxton Huggins’ trey ball jumpstarted a 15-4 run and NM State led 55-53 at 8:27 in the second half – a lead it wouldn’t surrender the rest of the way.
NM State shot 39 percent (21-of-53) from the field, while conversely UTEP (4-3) shot 42 percent (24-of-57) from the floor.
The NM State defense was key in the victory. The Aggies forced 13 turnovers, which turned into 16 points. The Aggies held onto the ball well and turned it nine times to equal a season low.
Eldridge scored 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the floor and Pascal Siakam helped out with 12 points and a game-high five blocks.
NM State has won four of the past five over UTEP and three-straight at the Pan Am.
Cedrick Lang and CJ Cooper each scored 12 points to lead the Miners.
NM State (4-5) embarks on a two-game road swing at Oral Roberts and Baylor before returning home Dec. 20 against New Mexico.
Information from NMSU