LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State men’s basketball team (2-0) will have an early test to begin the season Saturday, Nov. 15, as they host in-state rival New Mexico (3-0). This will be the Aggies first Division I opponent of the year.
The Aggies look to win their first game in the City of Crosses against their rival since 2018. Third-year head coach Jason Hooten is searching for his first home game victory against the Lobos. This is one of the earliest installments of the rivalry, as NMSU has only two games under its belt while UNM has three.
This matchup marks the second straight year the Aggies and Lobos will face off just once, continuing the adjusted format of the Rio Grande Rivalry. A decision will be revisited by both schools after this season to determine if they will move forth with playing each other once a year.
The last time the two squads faced off, the Aggies shocked the Lobos in an 89-83 overtime victory in Albuquerque Dec. 7, last season. This was the Lobos’ lone home loss.
Much has changed since this matchup, with both rosters undergoing major turnover. Only two players from last year’s game will be included in this season’s matchup. The Aggies have both players, guard Gabe Pickens and forward Jae’Coby Osborne. Meanwhile, UNM will have no returning players or coaches from last year’s game and enter the matchup with first-year head coach Eric Olen.
The Aggies are led by senior guard Jemel Jones, who is averaging 23.5 points per game on 54.8% shooting from the field. With both teams averaging north of 77 points, the Aggies and Lobos are expected to be in an offensive shootout.
Students will also have the opportunity to win big at the game as “A Grand in the Stands” will take place at halftime with one lucky Aggie winning $1,000 toward tuition.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and available to watch on ESPN+.
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