New Mexico State's Jemel Jones stole the show at the Thomas Assembly Center, leading his team to a 72-63 win over Louisiana Tech. Jones' impressive all-around performance, which included 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, was the difference-maker in the game. Despite being predicted to lose by 1.7 points according to CHD Scout, New Mexico State dominated the second half to secure the 9-point victory.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Louisiana Tech taking a 32-31 lead into the break. Scooter Williams was the driving force behind the Bulldogs' strong start, scoring 12 of his 22 points in the opening period. However, New Mexico State made adjustments at halftime and came out strong in the second half, outscoring Louisiana Tech 41-31. Jones was instrumental in the Aggies' second-half surge, scoring 15 of his 26 points after the break.
Julius Mims provided a strong supporting performance for New Mexico State, chipping in with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Elijah Elliott also made significant contributions, scoring 8 points off the bench. For Louisiana Tech, Will Allen and DJ Dudley added 10 and 9 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the impressive display from Jones.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The win is a significant boost to New Mexico State's resume, particularly given that it was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams. With a current net ranking of 188, the Aggies want to build on this momentum to improve their tournament chances. On the other hand, the loss is a setback for Louisiana Tech, which falls to 12-10 on the season and has a net ranking of 249. As a Quadrant 4 loss, it won't significantly harm the Bulldogs' resume, but it does highlight the need for them to perform consistently against similar opponents.
The fact that CHD Scout predicted a narrow Louisiana Tech victory adds a layer of significance to New Mexico State's win. The 9-point margin of victory was a far cry from the predicted 1.7-point difference, demonstrating that the Aggies are capable of exceeding expectations. As the season enters its final stretch, New Mexico State want to use this win as a springboard to make a push for a tournament berth. With performances like Jones' leading the way, the Aggies have the potential to make some noise in the coming weeks.