By Julian Jaramillo
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State Aggies pulled off a close win over Kennesaw State University in their final home game of the season, defeating the Owls 79–76, Saturday, March 7. From the start of the game, it was a back-and-forth matchup that required everyone to step up and contribute.
Jemel Jones led the Aggies with a double-double, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Gabe Pickens added 11 points while also dishing out eight assists to help control the pace of the offense. Julius Mims also contributed 11 points and eight rebounds in the effort.
The spark off the bench came from Jayland Randall, who scored 16 points and went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, repeatedly knocked down clutch free throws late in the game.
Head coach Jason Hooten has emphasized the importance of toughness and effort throughout the season.
“If you are the tougher team, the team that gets rebounds and loose balls, normally you will figure out a way to win,” Hooten said.
The Aggies showed that physicality in Saturday’s win over Kennesaw State, battling throughout the game and making key plays down the stretch.
New Mexico State has now won its past two games in clutch fashion and will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup against Jacksonville State at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, in the Conference USA Tournament. The Aggies currently sit 10th in the standings due to losing the tie breaker with two other schools, while the Gamecocks are in seventh place.
To take a closer look at the CUSA men’s tournament bracket, you can go to the conference website: https://conferenceusa.com/sports/2026/3/3/bkbchamp2026.aspx
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