WKU’s Men’s Basketball collapsed under New Mexico State’s first-half surge, falling 80-64 Thursday night.
The Hilltoppers struggled on all fronts in the first half, resulting in an efficient scoring outing from NMSU. From the opening tip-off, WKU had no answer for NMSU’s offense as they shot 48% from the field and a scorching 58% from beyond the arc. WKU’s gameplan offensively failed to match the efficiency against the Aggies’ suffocating defense, shooting 28% from the floor and only 18% from long range.
Freshman guard Armelo Boone led the Hilltoppers in scoring with 13 points and rebounding with eight. Boone finished the game shooting 41% from the floor.
Senior guard Jemel Jones was the focal point for the Aggies in the first half, totaling 13 points and 75% from long range. Jones concluded the night with 24 points on 33.3% shooting.
Redshirt sophomore guard Teagan Moore’s presence was limited all night, managing just two field goals in regulation and finishing with five points.
Despite a strong start in the second half and cutting the lead to single digits, WKU couldn’t complete the comeback as New Mexico State maintained momentum.
WKU will look to rebound as they travel to El Paso, Texas, to UTEP on Saturday, January 10.
