LAS CRUCES, N.M.-The New Mexico State men’s basketball team travels to Fresno, Calif., to meet Fresno State, Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. The game is available on KGRT 104 FM with the ‘Voice of the Aggies’ Jack Nixon and the pregame show starts at 7:30 p.m. The contest is an AggieVision broadcast and is shown live across New Mexico on Comcast stations, in El Paso on Time Warner, ESPN Full Court and ESPN360.com. The game is also available on Fox Sports-Arizona at 10:30 p.m.

New Mexico State Aggies

The Aggies are 15-8 and tied for first place in the WAC with an 8-2 record following a 70-68 win over Louisiana Tech, Feb. 8 in Las Cruces. Junior guard Jahmar Young posts a team-high 21.3 points per contest while senior guard Jonathan Gibson adds 18.3 points per game and sophomore forward Troy Gillenwater provides 19.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Junior forward Wendell McKines supplies 11.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest while sophomore center Hamidu Rahman is contributing with 11.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

Scouting Fresno State

The Bulldogs are 12-12 and 5-5 in league play after a 61-51 decision at Hawai’i, Feb. 6. The victory was Fresno State’s first WAC road win of the season. Sophomore guard/forward Paul George has a team-high 17.0 points per game but he’s been sidelined with an ankle injury since Jan. 21. Senior forward Sylvester Seay adds 15.4 points per game while freshman center Greg Smith and sophomore guard Mike Ladd contribute 12.2 and 10.0 points per contest, respectively.

Series Notes

The Aggies have a 21-11 lead in the all-time series after taking the first game of the season, 86-77, in Las Cruces. NM State has won the last five games in the series but the Aggies are only 7-7 in Fresno, Calif.

Previous Game-Second Half Fuels Aggie Win

The Aggies returned home to defeat Fresno State, 86-77, Jan. 16, behind a game-high 26 points from junior guard Jahmar Young and 25 points from senior guard Jonathan Gibson. The Aggies utilized a 52-34 second half advantage to outlast the Bulldogs. Sophomore guard Hernst Laroche had a career-high 10 assists as Gibson recorded a career-high six 3-point field goals against the Bulldogs.

Laroche Hits Game Winner over LA Tech, 70-68

Sophomore guard Hernst Laroche sank the game-winning basket with less than two seconds remaining in regulation to give NM State a 70-68 victory over Louisiana Tech, Feb. 8 in Las Cruces. The Aggies swept the regular season series with the Bulldogs.  Junior guard Jahmar Young had a team-high 20 points while sophomore forward Troy Gillenwater added 19.

Monday Night Spotlight

After hitting the game-winning shot over Louisiana Tech, Feb. 8, sophomore guard Hernst Laroche and the Aggies’ last-second heroics ranked No. 4 on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top Plays.

Scouting Hawai’i

The Rainbow Warriors are 9-14 and 2-8 in the WAC before the Feb. 13 meeting at Louisiana Tech, and Hawai’i is looking for its first road win of the year. Senior guard Roderick Flemings posts a team-best 15.4 points per game while junior guard Hiram Thompson adds 8.6 points per contest.

Series Notes

NM State owns a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series after defeating Hawai’i, 71-69, Jan. 21, in Honolulu. The Aggies are 4-0 against the Rainbow Warriors in Las Cruces.

Previous Game-Young Hits Game Winner at Hawai’i

Junior guard Jahmar Young hit a running jumper with 0.9 seconds to lift NM State to a 71-69 win at Hawai’i, Jan. 21. He scored a game-high 26 points for the Aggies. Senior guard Jonathan Gibson added 19 points and junior forward Wendell McKines had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

In the Pan American Center

At the next home game against Hawai’i, Monday, Feb. 15, the New Mexico State Athletics Department is hosting the Wells Fargo Academic Honors Night. Additionally, its 80s night and everyone 80 years and older is admitted into the game for free with a valid ID. For those fans born in the 1980s, special discounted tickets are available for $7.

Young Earns WAC Player of the Week Honors

Junior guard Jahmar Young was named the Verizon Wireless WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 1-7. The honor marks the third career WAC Player of the Week award for Young. He led the Aggies to a 94-82 win over San Jose State, Feb. 6. He scored a team-high 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, including a 4-of-6 mark from 3-point range. Young also connected on 5-of-5 shots from the free throw line. Additionally, he dished out five assists, pulled down three rebounds and recorded a blocked shot.

Aggie History

NM State has earned three WAC Player of the Week honors this year for the first time in school history. Junior guard Jahmar Young has garnered the award twice while sophomore center Hamidu Rahman earned his first career accolade. This marks the first time since 1994, when the Aggies belonged to the Big West Conference, that NM State had three weekly player awards.

Across the Nation

After winning the last 14 of 16 games, the Aggies are currently tied for first place in the WAC standings with an 8-2 mark. NM State ranks No. 67 in RPI according to CollegeRPI.com.

Aggies Handle San Jose State, 94-82

Junior guard Jahmar Young posted a team-high 25 points for the Aggies in the 94-82 win over San Jose State, Feb. 6 in Las Cruces. NM State had five players in double figures in the victory. Senior guard Jonathan Gibson added 20 points while sophomore forward Troy Gillenwater had 19 points and 11 rebounds in his season debut.

Aggies to Meet Pacific in BracketBuster

NM State travels to Pacific for the ESPNU BracketBuster, Saturday, Feb. 20, in Stockton, Calif. The game is televised on ESPNU at 8 p.m. The Aggies are a road team this year for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

NM State has a 29-8 advantage in the all-time series and has won the last five games in the series. The Aggies are 4-0 in BracketBuster games and have played the last three years in Las Cruces. Last season, NM State defeated Cal State Fullerton, 94-86, Feb. 21, 2009, after it crushed Long Beach State, 80-48, Feb. 23, 2008. The Aggies edged Ohio, Feb. 17, 2007, in its last BracketBuster TV game. In the only previous road game, NM State beat Pacific in overtime, 79-69, Feb. 18, 2006, in Stockton, Calif.

Aggies Overpower LA Tech, 91-77

NM State defeated Louisiana Tech, 91-77, Jan. 30, at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, La. With the win, the Aggies handed the Bulldogs their first home loss this year and NM State is now tied for first place in the WAC standings. Sophomore center Hamidu Rahman led the Aggies with 22 points, which ties a career-high, along with 12 rebounds and junior guard Jahmar Young had 19 points. Junior guard Gordo Castillo scored 17 points, a mark that ties his season-high, while junior forward Wendell McKines supplied 13.

Supporting Cast

The Aggie bench was vital in the win at Louisiana Tech, Jan. 30, and it out-scored the Bulldogs, 24-0. Junior guard Gordo Castillo was a spark for the Aggies with 17 points, which tied his season-best mark, and he was 5-of-6 from the 3-point line. Freshman forward Tyrone Watson helped the Aggies with seven points and four rebounds in only nine minutes of action.

Rahman Earns WAC Player of the Week Honor

Sophomore center Hamidu Rahman was named the Verizon Wireless WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 25-31. The honor marks the first career WAC Player of the Week award for Rahman. He led New Mexico State to a 91-77 road victory at Louisiana Tech, handing the Bulldogs their first home loss of the season, Jan. 30. Rahman tied his career high with 22 points in the win. He shot a career-best with 10 made field goals and 15 attempts, and was a perfect 2-of-2 from the charity stripe. He also pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds with one block. The performance marks the second time that Rahman has surpassed the 20-point plateau in his career.

Scoring Machines

With two players entering the 1,000-point club this season, senior guard Jonathan Gibson and junior guard Jahmar Young continue to climb the all-time scoring list at NM State. Gibson is currently No. 9 on the list with 1,366 career points while Young is No. 10 with 1,280 career points.

Currently, Young is ranked No. 17 in the NCAA in points per game (21.4) while Gibson is No. 42 (18.9). The Aggies are the only school with two players in the top 45 in scoring. In addition, Gibson is No. 6 in the country in 3-point field goals made (3.3) and 36th in 3-point percentage (40.4). Sophomore center Hamidu Rahman is No. 41 in rebounds per game (9.2) and sophomore guar Hernst Laroche is No. 62 in assist to turnover ratio (2.15). As a team, NM State is No. 13 in 3-pointers made per contest (8.5), No. 30 in scoring offense (78.5) as of Feb. 7.

Stacking Up Against the WAC

The Aggies have two of the top five scorers in the WAC. Junior guard Jahmar Young ranks third in the league with 21.3 points per game while senior guard Jonathan Gibson is fifth with 18.3 points per contest. Gibson has a conference-best 3-point field goals made per game (3.17). He is sixth in steals per game (1.52), seventh in free throw percentage (84.0) and 12th in 3-point field goal percentage (39.7), while Young is fifth in 3-point field goals made (2.26) and sixth in free throw percentage (84.7).

Sophomore center Hamidu Rahman is contributing as he ranks first in offensive rebounds per game (4.00), seventh in field goal percentage (55.8) and third in rebounds per game (9.0) along with seventh in blocked shots (1.41). Sophomore guard Hernst Laroche is second in assist to turnover ratio (2.07) while he is seventh in assists per game (3.96). As a team, the Aggies rank first in 3-point field goals made (8.48 per game) and second in free throw percentage (72.2) as of Feb. 8. 

In WAC games only, Young is third (22.4) and Gibson is sixth (17.3) in scoring while junior forward Wendell McKines (9.7) is third and Rahman ranks fifth (8.7) in rebounding. Laroche is third in assist to turnover ratio (2.56) and fourth in assists (4.60). At the free throw line, Gibson is first (90.9) and Young is eighth (75.0). Gibson is No. 1 in 3-point field goals made (3.10) and junior guard Gordo Castillo is second in 3-point percentage (52.0). In blocked shots, Rahman is sixth (1.40). As a team, the Aggies are first in turnover margin (+2.90) and 3-point field goals made per game (8.90) and scoring offense (78.1) as of Feb. 8.

On the Line

The Aggies are taking advantage at the free-throw line this season and posting a 550-467 advantage in attempts. As a team, NM State currently has a 72.0 free throw percentage. The Aggies are ranked No. 69 in the NCAA in free throw percentage as of Feb. 7. Junior guard Jahmar Young posts an 84.6 percentage, which is a team high and ranks No. 51 in the NCAA, while senior guard Jonathon Gibson is No. 60 with an 84.0 percentage.

Gillenwater Returned Against San Jose State

After missing the first 21 games of the season, sophomore forward Troy Gillenwater returned to the Aggies against San Jose State, Feb. 6. In his first appearance, Gillenwater posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Trends and Tidbits

The Aggies are winning close games this season. In 2009-10, NM State is 6-0 in games decided by five points or less. The Aggies are also 13-0 when they have a better field goal percentage than their opponents and 7-0 when they shoot better than 50 percent from the field.

As a team, NM State is a lethal threat from the 3-point line and the Aggies average 8.5 makes per game. Ironically, twice this season the Aggies have gone 3-for-20 from beyond the arc and they have won both games (at UTEP and Hawai’i).

Young Maintains Scoring Trend

Junior guard Jahmar Young continues to provide the Aggies with offensive firepower in his third season. He is averaging 21.3 points. Young has posted 10 games with 20-plus points this season and two 30-point contests with a career-high 34 points at San Jose State, Jan. 23. He now has five career 30-point games and one game-wining basket at Hawai’i, Jan. 21.

Rahman Anchors the Lane

Sophomore center Hamidu Rahman has been a force in the paint for the Aggies this season. He averages 11.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Rahman leads the squad in blocks (31) and field goal percentage (55.8). At Pepperdine, he grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds. Rahman has recorded six double-doubles this year. At Louisiana Tech, he tied his career high with 22 points.

Gibson is Making the Most of His Senior Campaign

Senior guard Jonathan Gibson is currently averaging 18.3 points per game. He also has a team-high 39.7 3-point field goal percentage and 35 steals. Gibson has surpassed the 30-point plateau twice this season. Against Fresno State, he made a career-high six 3-pointers His span of 27 straight games in double-digits was snapped in the win at Louisiana Tech, Jan. 30

Laroche Shares the Rock

Sophomore guard Hernst Laroche directs the Aggie offense and leads the team with 91 assists this season. He had a career-high 10 assists in the 86-77 win over Fresno State, Jan. 16.

Young Captures Weekly Honors

Junior guard Jahmar Young is a major factor in the Aggies’ success and a pair of organizations recently honored him for his play. He was named the 10th Mid-Majority Baller of the Week and NetScouts Basketball WAC Player of the Week, Jan. 19.

Aggies Outlast Idaho, 75-72

Junior guard Jahmar Young scored a season-high 32 points to lead NM State to a 75-72 win at Idaho, Jan. 11, inside Cowan Spectrum in Moscow, Idaho. Young was the first player to record a 30-point game in WAC play this season. Senior guard Jonathan Gibson added 18 points for the Aggies that swept the first conference road trip of the season with the victory.

A Look Back

Before the win over Utah State, Jan. 2, the last time the Aggies won a game scoring 55 points or less was a 48-47 victory at Pacific, Jan. 22, 2000. It was also the first time since March 9, 2006 that the Aggies won a game in the 50s when NM State beat Hawai’i, 58-57, in the WAC Tournament.

Young Ties School Record

Junior guard Jahmar Young ties the NM State school record for consecutive 3-point field goals with eight. He was 6-for-6 from beyond the arc against Texas Southern, Dec. 23, and hit his first two of the game versus Prairie View A&M, Dec. 28, to tie Eric Channing’s mark from 2002.

McKines Equals a Personal-Best Mark

Junior forward Wendell McKines tied his career high for points scored with 22 against Prairie View A&M, Dec. 28. He also had 13 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double performance.

Making History

Junior guard Jahmar Young joined the NM State 1,000-point club with a 22- point performance against Alcorn State, Dec. 21. He is the 26th member of the group and second player to join the club this season along with senior guard Jonathan Gibson.

Young Earns WAC Player of the Week Honor

Junior guard Jahmar Young was named the Verizon Wireless WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Dec. 7-13. The honor marks the second career WAC Player of the Week award for Young. He helped the Aggies to their first non-conference road win in three years with an 87-80 victory at UTEP. He posted a team-high 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Young scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half to guide NM State to its first win in El Paso since 2006. The Baltimore, Md., native also knocked down a pair of 3-point field goals and hit a perfect 6-of-6 shots from the charity stripe.  He also dished out three assists.

Gibson Sets Career High in Aggie Win

NM State beat Oklahoma Panhandle State, 83-73, Nov. 21, for its win of the 2009-10 season. Senior guard Jonathan Gibson paced the Aggies with a career-high 30 points to become the 25th member of the 1,000 point club. He achieved the feat in his 100th game in the Crimson and White. Junior guard Jahmar Young added 18 points while sophomore center Hamidu Rahman supplied 13.

Rahman Posts Career Night

Sophomore center Hamidu Rahman led NM State in the season opener at Saint Mary’s, Nov. 13. The Somerset, N.J., native had a career-high night as he broke four personal records. Rahman collected a career-high 22 points to lead all scorers on a 7-of-11 performance from the field, and both marks are personal-best showings. He grabbed eight rebounds, which tied his career high, in only 27 minutes of action. The Aggie big man also recorded 15 free-throw attempts that set a new career-best by five shots.

Previewing the WAC

The Aggies were voted to finish third in the Preseason WAC coaches and media polls.  Junior guard Jahmar Young was also a first team Preseason All-WAC honoree on both the coaches and media lists.

Looking ahead

The Aggies return to Las Cruces to host Hawai’i, Monday, Feb.15 at 7 p.m. inside the Pan American Center.