WKU Mens Basketball suffered a devastating road loss Thursday, to the New Mexico State Aggies, 72-70, to pick up their fifth loss of the season and their second in conference play. 

First Half

The first half was a half of shifting momentum. After the Hilltoppers opened the game with a 15-4 run, the Aggies quickly retaliated with a 14-4 run of their own. WKU ultimately went into the half with a double-digit lead, 37-27, thanks in part to a buzzer-beater from Khristian Lander

An impressive first half from Lander saw the guard go into the half with 13 points, including nine in the opening 15-4 run. The Evansville native also collected a pair of rebounds and a pair of assists. 

For the Aggies, senior guard Tanahj Pettway led the offense with his 10 point half. The Stony Brook transfer claimed his double-digit first half performance from off the bench. 

Team First Half Statistics: 

WKU: 14-31 FG, 4-13 3FG, 5-6 FT | 25 Rebounds: 22 Defensive, three Offensive.

NMSU: 10-36 FG, 3-13 3FG, 4-5 FT | 17 Rebounds: 13 Defensive, four Offensive.

Second Half

The second half was a rollercoaster ride for both teams. Coming out of the break, the Hilltoppers opened up a 15-2 run, stretching their lead to 23. However, a 20-6 run that stretched over five minutes brought the Aggies within striking distance. With just under two minutes left in the half, New Mexico State took their first lead since the game’s opening bucket.

With four seconds left, Aggie Guard Femi Odukale spun past the Hilltopper interior defense and drained the bucket. Ultimately, 44 seconds in the lead was all it took for New Mexico State to bag the comeback.

For the Hilltoppers, it was Brandon Newman who played his part in trying to keep the WKU lead alive. He had 12 points, on 3-6 shooting, with a trio of rebounds in the half. 

Don McHenry, who is currently sitting in second place in C-USA scoring, only scored a singular point in his 31 minutes of playtime. He was 0-8 from the field, including the final heave at the buzzer.

The Aggies impressive second half retaliation came at the hands of Jaden Harris. The Junior Guard, who is a career 39% 3-point shooter, nailed four threes on four attempts as part of his 16-point Second Half. 

Full Game Statistics:

WKU: 25-56 FG, 7-23 3FG, 13-18 FT | 39 Rebounds: 32 Defensive, seven Offensive.

NMSU: 26-68 FG, 12-27 3FG, 8-13 FT | 31 Rebounds: 21 Defensive, 10 Offensive.