In a closely contested battle, Hilltopper Basketball faced a heart-wrenching 72-70 loss against New Mexico State on Thursday night at Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Here’s a detailed overview of the game:
Game Overview:
- WKU’s overall season record dropped to 13-5, and they now stand at 2-2 in Conference USA play following the loss to New Mexico State.
Key Moments:
- Early Lead for WKU:
- The Hilltoppers held the lead for over 36 minutes of regulation, dominating in the early stages of the game. Khristian Lander’s contributions, including a pair of free throws and back-to-back made buckets, helped WKU establish an early advantage.
- First-Half Dominance:
- WKU maintained its lead throughout the first half, with Lander and Tyrone Marshall Jr. leading the scoring charge. The Hilltoppers entered halftime with a solid 37-27 lead.
- Building a Significant Lead:
- Returning for the second half, WKU extended its lead, reaching a 23-point advantage with notable contributions from Brandon Newman, Rodney Howard, and Lander.
- Aggies’ Comeback:
- New Mexico State mounted a comeback, fueled by a 7-0 run and consecutive made threes, narrowing WKU’s lead to five points. The Aggies continued their surge, making it a three-point game, 61-58, with just over six minutes remaining.
- Agonizing Final Minutes:
- In the final minutes, the game witnessed lead changes, with New Mexico State scoring seven unanswered points to take their first lead since the opening minutes of the game.
- Late Drama:
- The game remained intense in the closing moments. Howard’s free throw leveled the score at 70-70 with 1:13 left. Despite WKU’s efforts, New Mexico State seized a 72-70 lead with a layup in the dying seconds.
- Last-Second Attempt:
- WKU had a last-second opportunity, but a floater by Don McHenry fell short, resulting in a heartbreaking 72-70 defeat.
Top Performers:
- Khristian Lander led WKU with 19 points, four assists, and two rebounds.
- Tyrone Marshall Jr. contributed significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block.
- Brandon Newman and Rodney Howard were the top rebounders, securing eight each. Newman also added 13 points to the team’s score.
- Babacar Faye showcased his skills with a two-hand jam and finished with 10 points.
Upcoming Game:
- WKU continues its road trip with a conference matchup against UTEP on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. CT, and ESPN+ will broadcast the matchup.
Despite the tough loss, the Hilltoppers look forward to bouncing back in their upcoming game against UTEP, aiming to regain momentum in Conference USA play.
