LAS CRUCES, N.M. — In a game that carried postseason intensity and rivalry emotion from the opening tip, Liberty stunned New Mexico State with a 77–75 victory Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Pan American Center, sealing the win on a dramatic buzzer-beater that silenced the Las Cruces crowd.
For 40 minutes, neither team gave an inch.
New Mexico State set the early tone behind physical interior play and strong guard production, taking a narrow 32–30 lead into halftime. Jemel Jones once again proved to be the Aggies’ offensive catalyst, finishing with 23 points while creating scoring opportunities off the dribble. Julius Mims dominated inside with 21 points and 13 rebounds, giving NMSU second-chance opportunities and toughness in the paint. Chris Terrell added 12 points and six assists, providing a spark off the bench and steady ball movement during key stretches.
Liberty responded in the second half with composure and shot-making. JJ Harper led the Flames with 19 points and four assists, attacking downhill and finishing through contact. Kaden Metheny added 18 points, spacing the floor and knocking down timely perimeter shots that kept Liberty within striking distance. Zach Cleveland chipped in 15 points, none more important than the final two.
With the score tied at 75–75 in the closing seconds, Liberty placed the ball in Cleveland’s hands. The senior forward calmly navigated the final possession, rose from mid-range as time expired, and banked in the game-winner at the buzzer a shot that turned tension into instant celebration for the visiting Flames.
Beyond the box score, the night carried personal meaning for those in attendance including Gregg Metheny, father of Liberty guard Kaden Metheny, who made a last-minute journey to watch his son compete.
“It was a lot of fun. New Mexico State gave everything they had tonight, and we’re just, for us, happy we pulled it out,” Gregg Metheny said afterward. “Liberty’s team had come in a couple nights ago, so they were already here, settled in, but I came today to see my son play. And yeah, (Wednesday morning’s temporary El Paso International Airport closure) caught me off guard. I was in the middle of a flight coming in from Pittsburgh. When we were on the flight they said we may not even be able to land. We didn’t know what the situation was, but we were able to get to Dallas and then we came on over three hours late.”
On the other side, New Mexico State head coach Jason Hooten reflected on the adjustments that nearly turned the game in the Aggies’ favor and the resilience his team continues to show despite close losses.
“The biggest adjustment, I just thought we really started to get the ball into the paint, and once we did, Juice (Mims) got a couple of dunks and lobs and layups. I thought Kyrese (Mullen) did a good job rolling and making some strong catches and good feeds,” Hooten said. “Chris Terrell came in and just gave us a huge spark. That’s twice he’s played great against these guys because of size he fits their guards and he’s really good against them. I was glad that we went to him and he showed a lot right there. Really got us right where we’re at.”
He continued, emphasizing his team’s fight.
“Our guys have shown some resiliency. Because of the close ones we’ve had, you can watch a team if they’re not playing hard and not giving everything they have, then there’s issues. Our guys are fighting their tails off right now. We fought to the bitter end tonight. I think we’re going to deserve to win one of these pretty quick. Hopefully sooner than later.”
Statistically, the Aggies outrebounded Liberty 37–32 and found success attacking the paint in the second half. Liberty’s perimeter efficiency and late-game execution proved decisive in coming away with the win. The Flames outscored NMSU 47–43 after halftime, and in a game where every possession mattered, it ultimately came down to one shot.
In conference play, margins are razor-thin. Wednesday night in Las Cruces was another reminder that resilience matters but execution in the final seconds can define everything.
The Aggies next game is Saturday, Feb. 14, on the road against Jacksonville State University.
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