Middle Tennessee State secured a hard-fought 59-55 victory over New Mexico State at the Pan American Center, with both teams showcasing their skills in a closely contested matchup. The Blue Raiders' win was fueled by a strong performance from Torey Alston, who led his team with 16 points and 5 rebounds. New Mexico State's Jemel Jones was equally impressive, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in a losing effort.
The game was neck and neck from the start, with both teams struggling to gain a significant advantage. At halftime, the score was tied at 29-29, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Middle Tennessee State managed to pull ahead in the final 20 minutes, outscoring New Mexico State 30-26 to secure the win. Jahvin Carter played a crucial role for the Blue Raiders, contributing 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Kamari Lands added 9 points to the team's total.
New Mexico State's Cyr Malonga and Jayland Randall also made significant contributions, scoring 10 and 8 points, respectively. However, it was not enough to overcome the strong performance from Middle Tennessee State's top players. The Aggies' inability to pull ahead in the second half ultimately cost them the game, despite a strong effort from their roster.
The win improves Middle Tennessee State's record to 11-8, while New Mexico State falls to 10-9. This matchup was a Quadrant 3 game for both teams, which could have real consequences for their tournament chances. A win in a Q3 game can be a valuable addition to a team's resume, and Middle Tennessee State will likely benefit from this victory.
In terms of resume impact, this win is a notable one for Middle Tennessee State. With a current NET ranking of 131, the Blue Raiders are still on the bubble, but this victory could help them build momentum and improve their chances of making the tournament. For New Mexico State, the loss is a setback, but not a devastating one. The Aggies' current NET ranking of 149 still leaves them with work to do, but they have time to regroup and make a push for the postseason.
The closely contested nature of the game and the strong performances from both teams' top players make this a memorable matchup. As the season progresses, Middle Tennessee State and New Mexico State will both be looking to build on this game and make a strong case for tournament inclusion. For now, the Blue Raiders can celebrate a hard-fought win, while the Aggies want to regroup and bounce back from a tough loss. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the tournament chances of both teams, making it a crucial result in the college basketball landscape.