NM State Suffers Saturday Defeat
In a recent encounter, NM State faced UTEP in El Paso, marking the 100th meeting between the two teams. Unfortunately for the Aggies, they ended up on the losing side, falling 79-69. This defeat is part of a troubling trend, as it marks their fourth loss in the last six away games. The Aggies now hold a record of 7-14 for the season and 3-6 in Conference USA play.
Game Overview
The game began with Lucía Yenes scoring the first points. NM State managed an early lead of 8-6, but UTEP responded with a 7-0 run, taking a 16-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, NM State was trailing 37-27, facing their largest deficit at that point.
Key Players
- Imani Warren: Led the Aggies with 21 points.
- Lucía Yenes: Scored 20 points, marking a significant contribution.
- Keira Hudson: Added 12 points, her sixth double-digit game this season.
Second Half Performance
The Aggies attempted to claw back in the second half. Emma Christiano started strong with an early three-pointer, followed by additional scores from Warren and Yenes. However, they could not close the gap to less than four points for the remainder of the match.
Noteworthy Statistics
- NM State shot 14-for-17 from the free-throw line.
- It marked their fifth game with over ten successful free throws in conference play.
- The Aggies failed to record a block for the third time this season.
Coach and Player Insights
Imani Warren emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and unity amid distractions, stating, “The biggest step forward for us as a team is to keep outside noise off the court.” Head Coach Jody Adams acknowledged the necessity of reflection after both wins and losses, highlighting the commitment needed to achieve success.
Next Steps for NM State
Looking ahead, NM State will host Sam Houston at the Pan American Center on February 5 at 6 PM MT. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+, with live statistics available online.
For further updates on NM State Women’s Basketball, visit Filmogaz.com.
