Aggies Battle Mustangs to Conclude Exciting Non-Conference Series

What: Game Thirteen 

Who: NM State (6-6, 0-0 CUSA) vs University of the Southwest (7-6, 0-0 RRAC) 

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 4:00 p.m. MT 

Where: Las Cruces, N.M. – Pan American Center (12,572) 

 

THE OPENING TIP 

• Coming off an 87-50 win against Northern New Mexico on home soil, the Aggies are prepared to wrap up their non-conference schedule with a clash against the University of the Southwest on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 4 p.m. MT. 

• Saturday’s contest will represent only the second encounter between the two teams. The Aggies asserted their dominance in the first encounter last season, clinching an 84-49 victory. 

 

THE SECOND GO AROUND 

• In his inaugural season at the helm of the Aggies, Coach Hooten provided several unforgettable moments, which included an exhilarating win over I-10 rival UTEP, an astonishing 23-point second-half rally to outpace eventual CUSA Tournament Champion Western Kentucky, and an admirable 12-3 record on their home turf at the Pan American Center. NM State’s home crowd was unparalleled, as the Aggies topped all Conference USA teams in average attendance, attracting 5,638 fans per game. Hooten concluded his debut season with a 13-19 record, elevating his career coaching tally to 274-188 and laying a solid groundwork for the future of the program. 

 

DOMINATING THE BOARDS 

• Mastering the rebounding aspect has been fundamental to NM State’s achievements this season, and the Aggies are transforming their focus on rebounding into a distinct advantage. They currently hold the 31st position nationally with an impressive average of 40.5 rebounds per game. Their superiority is particularly visible on the offensive end, where they stand 41st in the nation, averaging 13.3 offensive rebounds per game.  

• Furthermore, the Aggies lead all CUSA teams in terms of players with multiple games of 10 or more rebounds this season. Four players have accomplished this: Peter Filipovity (3), Nate Tshimanga (3), Robert Carpenter (2), and Emmanuel Tshimanga (2). The closest competitor, Jacksonville State, has only two players with multiple double-digit rebounding games.

 

THE COOK-BOOK 

• Senior guard Christian Cook has found his offensive rhythm this season, bouncing back from a sluggish beginning to achieve his fifth straight game with double-digit points. During Thursday’s win against Northern New Mexico, Cook topped the team with 13 points, demonstrating his efficiency by shooting 5-of-6 from the floor and 3-of-4 from long range – all within just 17 minutes of playing time, his shortest of the season. This outing marked the ninth instance Cook has scored 10 or more points this year, with just three games not meeting that threshold. In comparison, Cook reached double figures in 17 of the Aggies’ 32 contests last season. 

• His finest performance this season unfolded in a thrilling sold-out overtime faceoff against I-25 rival New Mexico, where Cook exploded for a Division I career-best 27 points, nailing six three-pointers – marking the third occasion in his career he’s achieved that feat. He was also remarkably successful, firing 8-of-13 from the field and 6-of-9 from beyond the arc.  

• Currently, Cook’s average of 14.4 points per game places him 10th among Conference USA scorers. He has also sunk a team-leading 34 three-pointers and ranks third in CUSA for three-pointers made per game (2.83) and third in the total number of three-pointers completed. 

NON-CON CONTROL 

• NM State enters Saturday’s contest with a 6-6 record throughout its 2024 non-conference schedule. With one out-of-conference opponent left to play, NM State aims to commence league competition with a positive record. 

• If the Aggies secure a victory against the University of the Southwest, NM State would have a record above .500 for the ninth instance in the last decade. 

 

PROTECT THE PAN AM 

• NM State aims to stitch together its 19th successive season boasting a winning record within the Pan American Center. Since the commencement of the 2005-06 season, the Aggies have an astonishing home record of 257-44 (.854). During this period, NM State only experienced one season with five or more losses, wrapping up the 2010-11 campaign at 13-5. 

IT STARTS AT THE POINT 

• Zawdie Jackson has become a pivotal element in the Aggies’ offensive setup, acting as a cornerstone in both ball distribution and safeguarding. Early in this season, Jackson has displayed his skill in managing the basketball, ranking third in Conference USA in assist-to-turnover ratio (minimum of 3 assists per game) with a commendable average of 2.20. He also plays a crucial role in generating chances for his teammates, leading the Aggies and standing fifth in CUSA with 3.67 assists per game. 

• Jackson’s notable performance this season was against Utah Tech, where he delivered his seasonal high of 24 points on a remarkably efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point territory. Alongside his scoring, he contributed seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals, illustrating his dynamic and comprehensive skill set.

THE PETER EFFECT 

• Peter Filipovity has made a name for himself as a vital player for the Aggies, thriving on the rebounds and proving to be a steady scoring threat. This season, he averages 10.7 points and a team-high 7.7 rebounds per game. His 7.7 rebounds per game also rank him sixth in Conference USA. Filipovity’s performances emphasize his ability to register double-doubles, as he leads NM State with three this season, placing him second in CUSA behind Middle Tennessee’s Essam Mostafa. 

• In the past three matches, Filipovity has enhanced his performance, averaging 13.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. His remarkable display occurred against Southern Utah, where he achieved a season-best 18 points alongside nine rebounds. Filipovity also showcased exceptional efficiency in that contest, hitting 6-for-10 from the field and an unblemished 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

MEET THE NEWCOMERS   

• With the transformation of college athletics through the transfer portal, teams are more frequently adopting annual roster transformations — and NM State is a case in point, adding seven fresh faces via the portal this season.  

• The new cohort encompasses Dionte Bostick, Carl Cherenfant, Peter Filipovity, Zawdie Jackson, Edward Nnamoko, along with siblings Emmanuel and Nate Tshimanga. In the backcourt, Bostick, Cherenfant, and Jackson aim to inject vigor and depth, complementing returning guards Christian Cook and Jaden Harris to uphold the backcourt dynamics for NM State. On the other hand, in the frontcourt, the Aggies have strategically incorporated height and adaptability with Filipovity (6’7″), Nnamoko (6’10”), Nate Tshimanga (6’10”), and Emmanuel Tshimanga (7’0″).  

• Bostick, Filipovity, and Jackson are anticipated to make an immediate impact, having previously demonstrated excellence at their former institutions. Bostick joins from Cal State Northridge, where he recorded an average of 15.4 points and four rebounds per game while leading the team with 49 three-pointers, earning an All-Big West Honorable Mention.  

• Filipovity, arriving from the University of Maine, was a prominent player for the Black Bears, scoring 14.4 points and grabbing 7.7 rebounds per game. He also notched nine double-doubles and received America East All-Conference Second Team accolades.   

• Jackson possesses an impressive history from West Georgia, where he recorded one of the finest seasons in the program’s history, averaging 22 points, 5.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, showcasing an outstanding shooting percentage of 51% from the field, 45% from three-point range, and 85% from the free-throw line. His contributions were crucial in steering his team to a GSC regular season and tournament title, along with a South Region semifinal appearance. Jackson’s remarkable performance earned him distinctions as both the GSC and South Region Player of the Year, as well as First Team All-American honors. 

LOOK WHO’S BACK 

• This season, the Aggies rejoice in the return of four players from last year’s squad: Christian Cook, Robert Carpenter, Jaden Harris, and Christopher Biekeu. Despite considerable roster modifications, these returning athletes contribute experience and vital input to NM State’s roster. 

• Head Coach Hooten managed to preserve a significant share of last season’s three-point shooting capability with the return of Christian Cook, Robert Carpenter, and Jaden Harris, who together constituted 58% of the Aggies’ three-point field goals. Spearheading the effort from beyond the arc, Christian Cook was the leading scorer for the Aggies last season, averaging 11.3 points per game and sinking 59 three-pointers — the highest on the team. Harris showcased reliability as a shooter, connecting at a 36% rate from downtown, whereas Carpenter demonstrated high efficiency, shooting 35% from three-point range and 47% overall from the field. Collectively, they accounted for 38% of the team’s scoring last season, contributing a total of 810 points. 

• Also returning is forward Christopher Biekeu, who displayed potential prior to a season-ending injury limiting him to just six minutes in his solitary appearance against Cal Baptist. Biekeu’s return enriches the Aggies’ frontcourt depth, providing an extra physical presence following his rehabilitation. 

THE BROTHERLY CONNECTION 

• Amidst the roster transitions, Coach Hooten successfully acquired a sibling duo, Emmanuel and Nate Tshimanga, to join forces in the Crimson and White. This marks the inaugural occasion the Tshimanga brothers will compete together at the Division I level. Their addition brings a special familial bond to NM State, enhancing depth and chemistry within the Aggie lineup. 

• Emmanuel Tshimanga joins NM State following two seasons at UC San Diego, where he consistently showcased his capacity to influence the game from the bench. In the 2023-24 season, Emmanuel averaged 14.1 minutes across 22 games, ranking third on the team with an average of 5.0 rebounds per game and achieving a personal best of two steals against Pepperdine. In the preceding season (2022-23), he earned recognition as the UCU Athlete of the Week and exhibited impressive gameplay, including a career-high 13 rebounds in a victory over Eastern Michigan and scoring 18 points against UC Santa Barbara. He participated in 24 games, making ten starts, and was the team’s second-leading rebounder with 6.2 boards per game. 

• Nate Tshimanga comes to Las Cruces after a season at Utah Valley, where he appeared in all 32 games, started six, and averaged 13.4 minutes per match. Celebrated for his efficiency, he shot 46% from the field, averaging 2.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Before Utah Valley, Nate played in 21 games at Troy University during the 2022-23 season, started four times, and finished second on the team in field goal percentage (50%). He registered a season-high 12 points and nine rebounds against Montevallo. 

ACCORDING TO OTHERS 

• In the Conference USA preseason ballot released on Oct. 10, the Aggies were predicted to finish seventh, with Christian Cook named as their sole member on the Preseason All-Conference Team. This forecast follows a 2022-23 season where NM State recorded a 13-19 overall tally and a 7-9 standing in conference play. 

• Louisiana Tech emerged as the preseason favorite, securing three first-place votes and 87 points. Western Kentucky closely followed in second with 85 points and two first-place votes, while Sam Houston was projected to finish third with 83 points and three first-place nods. Middle Tennessee landed at fourth with 69 points and one first-place vote, while UTEP and Liberty shared the fifth position at 62 points, with Liberty also receiving one first-place vote. 

• NM State sits in seventh place with 39 points in the coaches’ poll, followed closely by Jacksonville State with 29 points. FIU and Kennesaw State completed the standings tied for ninth place, each accumulating 17 points. 

SCOUTING THE MUSTANGS 

• The University of the Southwest approaches Thursday’s clash with a 7-6 record. In their latest match, the Mustangs suffered a narrow defeat in a fiercely contested conference road game against Louisiana Christian, falling 85-78. This marks their second consecutive setback. Last year, the Mustangs concluded the season with a 15-16 overall record. 

• The Mustangs are under the guidance of Head Coach James Voight, who is now in his fourth year at the helm, holding an overall record of 44-54 during his tenure. 

• On the offensive front, the Mustangs depend on senior forward Jacob Kootz, who leads the squad with an average of 15.1 points per game. On the rebounding front, senior guard Rahkiem Petterson offers a strong presence, leading the team with 6.3 rebounds per match. The Aggies must neutralize these key contributors to secure a win. 

For comprehensive coverage of NM State Men’s Basketball, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateMBB), Instagram (@NMStateMBB), and like us on Facebook (NMStateMBB).  

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