Hawai'i has ended their losing streak with a 74-63 win over Nevada out in the sloshy Pacific.
The final in San Jose was Spartans 72, Bulldogs 45.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Update
Great job of blogging the Aggie game by Gabe Vasquez.
In other WAC games, LA Tech took care of Idaho in Rustin tonight 60-49.
San Jose is stomping on Fresno State 53-29 with 10:58 to go.
In other WAC games, LA Tech took care of Idaho in Rustin tonight 60-49.
San Jose is stomping on Fresno State 53-29 with 10:58 to go.
Live gamecast of NMSU vs. Boise State (NMSU 95, BSU 92)
*** FINAL SCORE: NMSU 95, BSU 92
Play-by-play action (well, mostly play-by-play) of the WAC's No. 2 New Mexico State University Aggies (18-9, 10-3 WAC) vs. the Boise State Broncos (13-15, 3-10 WAC).
The Aggies are coming off a 74-57 home win against Idaho Wednesday, Feb. 24. Hot shooting behind the arc and a strong performance by center Hamiduh Rahman and forward Wendell McKines led the Aggies to an easy win Wednesday. The Aggies are now the only remaining team in the hunt to win the regular season WAC title, a game and a half behind Utah State.
Boise State is coming off a 72-59 surprise win against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Ruston, La -- their best win of the season. For Boise, forward Ike Okoye leads the team's scorers averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 boards per game. Forward Robert Arnold, guard La'Shard Anderson and guard Daequon Montreal are all averaging 10 points for the Broncos.
---Game start---
Note: A good turnout from fans, I would estimate about 8,000.
19:18: Hamiduh Rahman, Layup, NMSU 2, BSU 0
18:35: Robert Arnold, BSU, dunk, NMSU 2, BSU 2
18:00: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 2, BSU 5
17:45: Jahmar Young, long range two, NMSU 4, BSU 5
17:20 Hernst Laroche, long range two, NMSU 6, BSU 5
17:00: Hernst Larchoe, layup off turnover, NMSU 8, BSU 5
16:20: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 11, BSU 7
16:05: Daequon Montreal, BSU, two-point jumpshot, NMSU 11, BSU 9
15:55: Timeout
15:35: Turnover Zach Ortiz, BSU
15:10: Turnover Robert Arnold, BSU
15:00: Jahmar Young, three-pointer, NMSU 14, BSU 9
14:05: Foul, Anthony Thomas, BSU
13:50: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 16, BSU 9
13:20: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 18, BSU 9
12:53: Daequon Montreal, BSU, dunk, NMSU 18, BSU 11
12:27: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 20, BSU 11
11:52: Zach Mortiz, BSU, layup, NMSU 20, BSU 13
11:16: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 20, BSU 16
10:30 Timeout
----
Note: The Aggies and Broncos are playing fast-paced ball. The style of play lends well to the Aggies' high-powered offense, who have several options on the breakaway for spot-up jumpers, layups or shots from behind the arc. Sloppy defensive play by the Aggies has also led to quick fast-break points for the Broncos, however. The Aggies started with a high-pressure man defense but have since let down a bit.
The crowd keeps getting bigger, about 9,000 now, I would say.
----
9:37: Jahmar Young, jumpshot, NMSU 22, BSU 16
9:12: Kelly Merker, shooting foul
9:12: Zach Mortiz, BSU, two missed free throws
8:40: Daequon Montreal, BSU, dunk, NMSU 22, BSU 18
8:28: Foul, Zach Mortiz, BSU
8:28: Hamidu Rahman, two free throws, NMSU 24, BSU 18
8:10: Daequon Montreal, BSU, layup, NMSU 24, BSU 20
7:52: Jonathan Gibson, jump shot, NMSU 26, BSU 20
7:42: Timeout
7:26: Troy Gillenwater, layup w/ foul, NMSU 28, BSU 20
6:50: Rashard Anderson, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 28, BSU 23
6:33: Timeout, NMSU
6:00: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 28, BSU 26
5:30: Jahmar Young, jumpshot, NMSU 30, BSU 26
5:10: Troy Gillenwater, ally-oop dunk, NMSU 32, BSU 26
4:45: Ike Okoye, BSU, layup, NMSU 32, BSU 28
4:15: Daeqon Montreal, BSU, layup, NMSU 32, BSU 30
3:50: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 34, BSU 31
3:30: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer NMSU 34, BSU 34
3:15: Hernst Laroche, layup, NMSU 36, BSU 34
2:43: Timeout
----
Note: The Aggies are playing sloppy zone d. They are not getting back on their assignment on the fast break and BSU forward Paul Noonan has punished the ags with several three-pointers on the fast break. Most of the Broncos' points are coming off the fast break.
-----
2:00: Hernst Laroche, three-pointer, NMSU 39, BSU 34
1:05: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 42, BSU 36
0:45: Tyrone Watson, one of two free throws, NMSU 43, BSU 36
00:00 Halftime score, NMSU 43, BSU 38
---------------
Halftime recap: The Aggies are shooting 54 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point land and 60 percent from the charity stripe. Boise state is shooting 43 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point land and 0-2 from the free-throw line.
--------Start of second half---------
19:15: Ike Okoye, BSU, layup, NMSU 43, BSU 40
18:37: Foul, Robert Arnold, BSU
18:27: Jonathan Gibson, one of two free thros, NMSU 44, BSU 40
18:00: Montreal Daequon turnover
17:50: Jonathan Gibson, layup, NMSU 46, BSU 42
17:26: Jahmar Young, shooting foul
17:26: Robert Arnold, BSU, two of two free throws, NMSU 46, BSU 44
17:15: Jahmar Young, three-pointer, NMSU 49, BSU 44
16:55: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 52, BSU 44
16:35: Hernst Laroche, layup, NMSU 54, BSU 45
16:20: Jahmar Young, layup, NMSU 56, BSU 45
16:18: Timeout
-------
Note: Despite a frustrating early second half start, the Aggies are shooting lights-out in the past two minutes and have increased their lead to 11. JY and Gib hit back-to-back threes to cap the Aggie run.
--------
16:00: Foul, Hamidu Rahman
15:35: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer NMSU 56, BSU 48
15:20: Troy Gillenwater, jump hook, NMSU 58, BSU 48
14:33: Jonathan Gibson, jump shot, NMSU 60, BSU 48
14:00: Troy Gillenwater, fastbreak layup, NMSU 62, BSU 48
13:25: Shot clock violation, BSU
12:55: Jonathan Gibson, three-point made and a foul, NMSU 65, BSU 48
12:54: Timeout Boise State
12:17: Gordo Castillo, three-pointer, NMSU 68, BSU 48
12:13: Ike Okoye, BSU, two-pointer and the foul, NMSU 48, BSU 51
11:49: Timeout
----
Note: The Aggies are dominating on both ends of the floor. They are not making as many mistakes on the defensive end are not allowing Boise to play the effective transition game they had in the first half. The Aggies are shooting lights out, led by JY and Gibson.
----
11:32: Robert Arnold, BSU, layup, NMSU 68, BSU 53
11:07: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 68, BSU 56
11:07: Timeout, NMSU
10:30: Gordo Castillo, three-pointer, NMSU 71, BSU 56
10:20: Robert Arnold, BSU, layup, NMSU 71, BSU 58
9:50: Troy Gillenwater, two-pointer, NMSU 73, BSU 60
9:00: Hernst Laroche, layup, NMSU 75, BSU 60
9:00: Timeout, BSU
8:38: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 75, BSU 63
8:00: Hamidu Rahman, layup w/ a foul, NMSU 78, BSU 63
7:40: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 78, BSU 66
6:51: Daequon Montreal, layup w/ the foul, NMSU 78, BSU 69
6:40: Wendell McKines, dunk, NMSU 80, BSU 69
6:15: Daequon Montreal, layup, NMSU 80, BSU 71
5:50: Troy Gillenwater, layup, NMSU 82, BSU 71
5:30: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 85, BSU 71
5:15: Foul, Herns Laroche
5:00: Ike Okoye, layup, NMSU 85, BSU 73
4:32: Foul, Troy Gillenwater
4:32: Daequon Montreal, two free throws, NMSU 85, BSU 75
---
Note: The Aggies are managing the clock better now but taking poor shots. BSU's Paul Noonan is relentless from beyond the arc. The Aggies are doing a poor job again of covering BSU's shooters during transition.
----
3:50: Paul Noonan, three-pointer, NMSU 85, BSU 78
3:16: Intentional foul, Anthony Thomas, BSU
3:16: Jahmar Young, two free throws, NMSU 87, BSU 78
2:40: Ike Okoye, layup, NMSU 87, BSU 79
2:06: Jonathan Gibson, jumpshot, NMSU 89, BSU 80
2:00: Jahmar Young, foul
1:59: La'Shard Anderson, two of two free throws, NMSU 89, BSU 82
1:45: Foul, Daequon Montreal
1:36: Foul, Daequon Montreal
1:36: Hernst Leroche, one of two free throws, NMSU 90, BSU 82
1:26: Robert Arnold, jumpshot w/ foul, NMSU 90, BSU 85
1:24: Jahmar Young, two of two free throws, NMSU 92, BSU 95
1:10: Daeqon Montreal, jumpshot, NMSU 92, BSU 87
1:05: Jahmar Young, two of two free throws, NMSU 94, BSU 87
1:00: Daeqon Monreal, three-pointer, NMSU 94, BSU 90
0:49: Robert Arnold, two of two free throws, NMSU 94, BSU 92
0:38: Timeout, NMSU
----
Note: Was not expecting this type of finish. BSU has been effective with their hack-an-Aggie strategy in the past two minutes, cutting the Aggies lead down to two. Some turnovers under the basket and sloppy play by the Aggies have led to BSU capitalizing off six points from Aggie turnovers.
----
0:21: Timeout NMSU
0:20: Turnover NMSU
0:13: Turnover BSU
0:10: Timeout BSU
0:10: Hernst Laroche, one of two from the free throw line, NMSU 95, BSU 92
0:01 Timeout, NMSU
0:00: Final score, NMSU 95, BSU 92
Play-by-play action (well, mostly play-by-play) of the WAC's No. 2 New Mexico State University Aggies (18-9, 10-3 WAC) vs. the Boise State Broncos (13-15, 3-10 WAC).
The Aggies are coming off a 74-57 home win against Idaho Wednesday, Feb. 24. Hot shooting behind the arc and a strong performance by center Hamiduh Rahman and forward Wendell McKines led the Aggies to an easy win Wednesday. The Aggies are now the only remaining team in the hunt to win the regular season WAC title, a game and a half behind Utah State.
Boise State is coming off a 72-59 surprise win against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Ruston, La -- their best win of the season. For Boise, forward Ike Okoye leads the team's scorers averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 boards per game. Forward Robert Arnold, guard La'Shard Anderson and guard Daequon Montreal are all averaging 10 points for the Broncos.
---Game start---
Note: A good turnout from fans, I would estimate about 8,000.
19:18: Hamiduh Rahman, Layup, NMSU 2, BSU 0
18:35: Robert Arnold, BSU, dunk, NMSU 2, BSU 2
18:00: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 2, BSU 5
17:45: Jahmar Young, long range two, NMSU 4, BSU 5
17:20 Hernst Laroche, long range two, NMSU 6, BSU 5
17:00: Hernst Larchoe, layup off turnover, NMSU 8, BSU 5
16:20: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 11, BSU 7
16:05: Daequon Montreal, BSU, two-point jumpshot, NMSU 11, BSU 9
15:55: Timeout
15:35: Turnover Zach Ortiz, BSU
15:10: Turnover Robert Arnold, BSU
15:00: Jahmar Young, three-pointer, NMSU 14, BSU 9
14:05: Foul, Anthony Thomas, BSU
13:50: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 16, BSU 9
13:20: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 18, BSU 9
12:53: Daequon Montreal, BSU, dunk, NMSU 18, BSU 11
12:27: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 20, BSU 11
11:52: Zach Mortiz, BSU, layup, NMSU 20, BSU 13
11:16: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 20, BSU 16
10:30 Timeout
----
Note: The Aggies and Broncos are playing fast-paced ball. The style of play lends well to the Aggies' high-powered offense, who have several options on the breakaway for spot-up jumpers, layups or shots from behind the arc. Sloppy defensive play by the Aggies has also led to quick fast-break points for the Broncos, however. The Aggies started with a high-pressure man defense but have since let down a bit.
The crowd keeps getting bigger, about 9,000 now, I would say.
----
9:37: Jahmar Young, jumpshot, NMSU 22, BSU 16
9:12: Kelly Merker, shooting foul
9:12: Zach Mortiz, BSU, two missed free throws
8:40: Daequon Montreal, BSU, dunk, NMSU 22, BSU 18
8:28: Foul, Zach Mortiz, BSU
8:28: Hamidu Rahman, two free throws, NMSU 24, BSU 18
8:10: Daequon Montreal, BSU, layup, NMSU 24, BSU 20
7:52: Jonathan Gibson, jump shot, NMSU 26, BSU 20
7:42: Timeout
7:26: Troy Gillenwater, layup w/ foul, NMSU 28, BSU 20
6:50: Rashard Anderson, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 28, BSU 23
6:33: Timeout, NMSU
6:00: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 28, BSU 26
5:30: Jahmar Young, jumpshot, NMSU 30, BSU 26
5:10: Troy Gillenwater, ally-oop dunk, NMSU 32, BSU 26
4:45: Ike Okoye, BSU, layup, NMSU 32, BSU 28
4:15: Daeqon Montreal, BSU, layup, NMSU 32, BSU 30
3:50: Hamidu Rahman, layup, NMSU 34, BSU 31
3:30: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer NMSU 34, BSU 34
3:15: Hernst Laroche, layup, NMSU 36, BSU 34
2:43: Timeout
----
Note: The Aggies are playing sloppy zone d. They are not getting back on their assignment on the fast break and BSU forward Paul Noonan has punished the ags with several three-pointers on the fast break. Most of the Broncos' points are coming off the fast break.
-----
2:00: Hernst Laroche, three-pointer, NMSU 39, BSU 34
1:05: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 42, BSU 36
0:45: Tyrone Watson, one of two free throws, NMSU 43, BSU 36
00:00 Halftime score, NMSU 43, BSU 38
---------------
Halftime recap: The Aggies are shooting 54 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point land and 60 percent from the charity stripe. Boise state is shooting 43 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point land and 0-2 from the free-throw line.
--------Start of second half---------
19:15: Ike Okoye, BSU, layup, NMSU 43, BSU 40
18:37: Foul, Robert Arnold, BSU
18:27: Jonathan Gibson, one of two free thros, NMSU 44, BSU 40
18:00: Montreal Daequon turnover
17:50: Jonathan Gibson, layup, NMSU 46, BSU 42
17:26: Jahmar Young, shooting foul
17:26: Robert Arnold, BSU, two of two free throws, NMSU 46, BSU 44
17:15: Jahmar Young, three-pointer, NMSU 49, BSU 44
16:55: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 52, BSU 44
16:35: Hernst Laroche, layup, NMSU 54, BSU 45
16:20: Jahmar Young, layup, NMSU 56, BSU 45
16:18: Timeout
-------
Note: Despite a frustrating early second half start, the Aggies are shooting lights-out in the past two minutes and have increased their lead to 11. JY and Gib hit back-to-back threes to cap the Aggie run.
--------
16:00: Foul, Hamidu Rahman
15:35: Paul Noonan, BSU, three-pointer NMSU 56, BSU 48
15:20: Troy Gillenwater, jump hook, NMSU 58, BSU 48
14:33: Jonathan Gibson, jump shot, NMSU 60, BSU 48
14:00: Troy Gillenwater, fastbreak layup, NMSU 62, BSU 48
13:25: Shot clock violation, BSU
12:55: Jonathan Gibson, three-point made and a foul, NMSU 65, BSU 48
12:54: Timeout Boise State
12:17: Gordo Castillo, three-pointer, NMSU 68, BSU 48
12:13: Ike Okoye, BSU, two-pointer and the foul, NMSU 48, BSU 51
11:49: Timeout
----
Note: The Aggies are dominating on both ends of the floor. They are not making as many mistakes on the defensive end are not allowing Boise to play the effective transition game they had in the first half. The Aggies are shooting lights out, led by JY and Gibson.
----
11:32: Robert Arnold, BSU, layup, NMSU 68, BSU 53
11:07: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 68, BSU 56
11:07: Timeout, NMSU
10:30: Gordo Castillo, three-pointer, NMSU 71, BSU 56
10:20: Robert Arnold, BSU, layup, NMSU 71, BSU 58
9:50: Troy Gillenwater, two-pointer, NMSU 73, BSU 60
9:00: Hernst Laroche, layup, NMSU 75, BSU 60
9:00: Timeout, BSU
8:38: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 75, BSU 63
8:00: Hamidu Rahman, layup w/ a foul, NMSU 78, BSU 63
7:40: Robert Arnold, BSU, three-pointer, NMSU 78, BSU 66
6:51: Daequon Montreal, layup w/ the foul, NMSU 78, BSU 69
6:40: Wendell McKines, dunk, NMSU 80, BSU 69
6:15: Daequon Montreal, layup, NMSU 80, BSU 71
5:50: Troy Gillenwater, layup, NMSU 82, BSU 71
5:30: Jonathan Gibson, three-pointer, NMSU 85, BSU 71
5:15: Foul, Herns Laroche
5:00: Ike Okoye, layup, NMSU 85, BSU 73
4:32: Foul, Troy Gillenwater
4:32: Daequon Montreal, two free throws, NMSU 85, BSU 75
---
Note: The Aggies are managing the clock better now but taking poor shots. BSU's Paul Noonan is relentless from beyond the arc. The Aggies are doing a poor job again of covering BSU's shooters during transition.
----
3:50: Paul Noonan, three-pointer, NMSU 85, BSU 78
3:16: Intentional foul, Anthony Thomas, BSU
3:16: Jahmar Young, two free throws, NMSU 87, BSU 78
2:40: Ike Okoye, layup, NMSU 87, BSU 79
2:06: Jonathan Gibson, jumpshot, NMSU 89, BSU 80
2:00: Jahmar Young, foul
1:59: La'Shard Anderson, two of two free throws, NMSU 89, BSU 82
1:45: Foul, Daequon Montreal
1:36: Foul, Daequon Montreal
1:36: Hernst Leroche, one of two free throws, NMSU 90, BSU 82
1:26: Robert Arnold, jumpshot w/ foul, NMSU 90, BSU 85
1:24: Jahmar Young, two of two free throws, NMSU 92, BSU 95
1:10: Daeqon Montreal, jumpshot, NMSU 92, BSU 87
1:05: Jahmar Young, two of two free throws, NMSU 94, BSU 87
1:00: Daeqon Monreal, three-pointer, NMSU 94, BSU 90
0:49: Robert Arnold, two of two free throws, NMSU 94, BSU 92
0:38: Timeout, NMSU
----
Note: Was not expecting this type of finish. BSU has been effective with their hack-an-Aggie strategy in the past two minutes, cutting the Aggies lead down to two. Some turnovers under the basket and sloppy play by the Aggies have led to BSU capitalizing off six points from Aggie turnovers.
----
0:21: Timeout NMSU
0:20: Turnover NMSU
0:13: Turnover BSU
0:10: Timeout BSU
0:10: Hernst Laroche, one of two from the free throw line, NMSU 95, BSU 92
0:01 Timeout, NMSU
0:00: Final score, NMSU 95, BSU 92
Nevada/Hawai'i game on as scheduled
OK, I guess the danger has passed.
The latest from the U of Hawai'i:
"The University of Hawai‘i men's basketball game versus Nevada will be played as scheduled tonight with the recent announcement of the tsunami warning being lifted. The "Senior Night" game will be played at its regularly scheduled start time of 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center."
The latest from the U of Hawai'i:
"The University of Hawai‘i men's basketball game versus Nevada will be played as scheduled tonight with the recent announcement of the tsunami warning being lifted. The "Senior Night" game will be played at its regularly scheduled start time of 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center."
Nevada at Hawai'i cancelled
The University of Hawai'i website says that all sporting events scheduled for today are cancelled.
From the site:
'The men’s basketball game vs. Nevada is cancelled and no potential make-up date has been determined. If the game is not rescheduled, a ticket refund procedure will be announced for individual game ticket holders early next week."
The monster earthquake in Chile that prompted tsunami warnings in Hawai'i also severed portions of the Pan American Highway. That road happens to run by the Pan American Center, which is named for the storied highway.
The thoughts and prayers the Las Cruces Bulletin go out to our neighbors down the road, even if they are several thousand miles away.
From the site:
'The men’s basketball game vs. Nevada is cancelled and no potential make-up date has been determined. If the game is not rescheduled, a ticket refund procedure will be announced for individual game ticket holders early next week."
The monster earthquake in Chile that prompted tsunami warnings in Hawai'i also severed portions of the Pan American Highway. That road happens to run by the Pan American Center, which is named for the storied highway.
The thoughts and prayers the Las Cruces Bulletin go out to our neighbors down the road, even if they are several thousand miles away.
Live blog of tonight's game
The very dedicated Gabe Vasquez in scheduled to live-blog the Boise State at New Mexico State University game at 7 p.m. tonight from the Pan American Center. Check in to Bulletin in the Zone at gametime.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday's WAC matchups
Idaho at Louisiana Tech
7 p.m. CST
No longer in the hunt for the regular season WAC championship, LA Tech (21-7, 8-5 WAC) may have to battle to stay in the top four. Reportedly Kyle Gibson suffered an ankle injury in the Bulldogs surprising loss to Boise State – let's hope it's not serious. Gibson's status as a Player-of-the-Year candidate have dimmed in recent weeks. Despite Idaho's (13-14, 4-9) big loss to New Mexico State on Wednesday, the Vandals still have a lot of weapons. I expect the Bulldogs to pull this one out as Idaho is on the second leg of the killer Las Cruces/Rustin road trip.
Boise State at New Mexico State
7 p.m. MST
ESPN360, AggieVision, KTVB-Boise
The Aggies (18-9, 10-3) played their best basketball of the season at Pacific and at home against Idaho. The Broncos (13-15, 3-10) went a long way towards punching their ticket to the WAC tournament by upsetting LA Tech Thursday in Rustin. Unless NMSU (18-9, 10-3) comes out flat on senior night, the Aggies' talent and depth will take care of a road weary Boise State team.
Fresno State at San Jose State
7 p.m. PST
ESPNU
This promises to be a hard-fought battle. Fresno State (14-15, 6-7) will try to ride the talent of Paul George (17.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Sylvester Seay (14.9 ppg, 6.0 rgp) to victory, but San Jose's (13-14, 5-8) Adrian Oliver (23.3 ppg) is making a serious push to be WAC Player of the Year. This ESPNU game should be well worth watching.
Nevada at Hawai'i
7 p.m. Hawai'i time
Comcast Sportsnet California. KFVE, KAME-TV 21
Nevada (17-10, 9-4) seems to be able to pull out close wins in the final minutes – at least against WAC opponents. Hawai'i (9-18, 2-11) has had a host of problems this year and has the inside track at missing the WAC tournament. Nevada has it's eyes set on taking the No. 2 seed in the tournament. This one may be closer that anyone expects, but Nevada will most likely be ahead at the final buzzer.
7 p.m. CST
No longer in the hunt for the regular season WAC championship, LA Tech (21-7, 8-5 WAC) may have to battle to stay in the top four. Reportedly Kyle Gibson suffered an ankle injury in the Bulldogs surprising loss to Boise State – let's hope it's not serious. Gibson's status as a Player-of-the-Year candidate have dimmed in recent weeks. Despite Idaho's (13-14, 4-9) big loss to New Mexico State on Wednesday, the Vandals still have a lot of weapons. I expect the Bulldogs to pull this one out as Idaho is on the second leg of the killer Las Cruces/Rustin road trip.
Boise State at New Mexico State
7 p.m. MST
ESPN360, AggieVision, KTVB-Boise
The Aggies (18-9, 10-3) played their best basketball of the season at Pacific and at home against Idaho. The Broncos (13-15, 3-10) went a long way towards punching their ticket to the WAC tournament by upsetting LA Tech Thursday in Rustin. Unless NMSU (18-9, 10-3) comes out flat on senior night, the Aggies' talent and depth will take care of a road weary Boise State team.
Fresno State at San Jose State
7 p.m. PST
ESPNU
This promises to be a hard-fought battle. Fresno State (14-15, 6-7) will try to ride the talent of Paul George (17.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Sylvester Seay (14.9 ppg, 6.0 rgp) to victory, but San Jose's (13-14, 5-8) Adrian Oliver (23.3 ppg) is making a serious push to be WAC Player of the Year. This ESPNU game should be well worth watching.
Nevada at Hawai'i
7 p.m. Hawai'i time
Comcast Sportsnet California. KFVE, KAME-TV 21
Nevada (17-10, 9-4) seems to be able to pull out close wins in the final minutes – at least against WAC opponents. Hawai'i (9-18, 2-11) has had a host of problems this year and has the inside track at missing the WAC tournament. Nevada has it's eyes set on taking the No. 2 seed in the tournament. This one may be closer that anyone expects, but Nevada will most likely be ahead at the final buzzer.
In the Las Cruces Bulletin
In this week's Las Cruces Bulletin: Parting Shots: Aggie trio plays final home game
Utah State handles Hawai'i
Utah State continues their winning streak with a 61-50 win at Hawai'i. With USU's win and Louisiana Tech's loss, LA Tech is eliminated from contention for the regular-season WAC title.
Nevada still may have a slim chance if there is a three way tie at the top and La Tech fails to finish alone in fourth.
Nevada still may have a slim chance if there is a three way tie at the top and La Tech fails to finish alone in fourth.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Big TU to Parsing the Wac
BITZ has been remiss in not giving a shout out to Kevin McCarthy, the dean of WAC bloggers, at Parsing the WAC, for giving BITZ a recommendation on his excellent blog.
Nevada wins at San Jose
Nevada remains in the hunt for second place in the WAC after winning a tight game at San Jose 83-79. A great game for Adrian Oliver, but Nevada made the plays down the stretch.
Upset alert
Boise State knocked off Louisiana Tech 72-59 in Ruston tonight.
The game was tied at the half 37-37. Magnum Rolle and Kyle Gibson were held to 6 points each and the Bulldogs only shot 9 of 31 in the second half.
The game was tied at the half 37-37. Magnum Rolle and Kyle Gibson were held to 6 points each and the Bulldogs only shot 9 of 31 in the second half.
Tonight's WAC games – Feb. 25, 2010
Boise State at Louisiana Tech
7 p.m. CST
LA Tech (21-6, 8-4 Western Athletic Conference) shouldn’t have any trouble with the Broncos (12-15, 2-10), but this is the WAC and anything can happen.
Nevada at San Jose
7 p.m. PST
KAME TV 21, Comcast SportsNet California, ESPN360.com
This is the most important game of the night. The Spartans (13-13, 5-7) play very well at home, having lost only to the Utags. Nevada (16-10, 8-4) doesn’t seem to be playing their best ball right now. I bet they miss Malik Cooke a lot. A loss by the Wolfpack would put them two games behind NMSU for the No. 2 seed in the WAC tournament.
Utah State at Hawai‘i
7 p.m. Hawai‘i time
Is there enough heart in the Warriors (9-17, 2-10) to pull off the upset on the islands?
We doubt it, but as NMSU fans we can hope. Hawai‘i needs a win badly to preserve any hope of making the WAC tournament. Of course, if the Warriors don’t make the tournament, at least they get to stay in Hawai‘i – how bad can that be?
Pictures from NMSU vs. Idaho
(1) Big Wen – so close to a triple-double!
(2) Jonathan Gibson knocked in three 3-point baskets
(3) Jahmar Young was high scorer with 23 points against the Vandals
(4) Young made it look easy last night
(5) It was Aggies ARE Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Pan American Center, but we're not sure that
the guy on the left IS tough enough though.
Photos taken by Richard Davis for the Las Cruces Bulletin.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Live gamecast of NMSU vs. Idaho
New Mexico State University vs. Idaho Vandals - live gamecast at the Pan American Center.
FINAL SCORE: Aggies 74, Idaho 57
Final recap: Apparently, Aggie students got the memo that tonight's game was nationally televised, and they came out in force. At the end of the game, Aggies coach Marvin Menzies proudly hailed the Aggies' student section as the sixth-man, which may have made Troy Gillenwater a bit disappointed, but definitely happy for the win. A lackluster crowd showed up for tonight's game, but the Aggies still managed to dominate the Idaho Vandals, 74 to 57, with strong support from students.
The story of the night was the Aggies hot 3-point shooting. They were 12-26 from three-point land, with guard Jonathan Gibson, guard Jahmar Young and Gordo Castillo each with 3.
For the Aggies, guard Jahmar Young led all scorers with 23 points, followed by guard Jonathan Gibson with 15 and forward Wendell McKines with 11.
The Vandals' leading scorers were center Kyle Baron with 10 points and guard Kashif Watson, also with 10.
Leading board-grabbers for the Aggies were forward Wendell McKines with 12 and Hamidu Rahman with 11. McKines nearly had a triple double, he also dished out 8 assists.
The Aggies are now 18-9 and 10-3 in WAC Play. Idaho is 13-14 and 4-9 in conference play.
Next up, the Aggies face Boise State University at the Pan American Center, at 7 p.m. MST.
----------
Halftime recap: The New Mexico State Aggies are at their best when they have balanced scoring. In tonight's game at the Pan American Center, guard Jahmar Young has scored 9 points, center Hamidu Rahman has 8 points and Las Cruces Native, guard Gordo Castillo has tallied up 8 points, six from three-point land.
The Idaho Vandals are struggling with the two Aggie bigs, power forward Troy Gillenwater and center Hamidu Rahman. The Aggies have out-rebounded the Vandals 21 to 20, with five of the Aggies' boards coming on the offensive end. Rahman has tallied up 8 boards, and forward Wendell McKines has 4.
Idaho's main scorer, guard Mac Hopson, has 5 points, 3 rebounds and two assists. Idaho guard Kashif Watson leads Idaho with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist.
The Aggies are shooting 54 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point land, and 66 percent from the free-throw line.
The Idaho Vandals are shooting 32 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point land, and have not attempted any free throws in the first half.
Aggie starters have accounted for Aggies' 30 points in the first half, with the bench pitching in 11.
Idaho's starts have accounted for Vandals' 15 points in the first half, with the bench pitching in 8.
18:38: Wendell McKines jump shot, Aggies 2-0
17:50: Kashif Watson, Idaho, layup. Aggies 2, Idaho 4.
17:08: Kashif Watson, Idaho, block on Jonathan Gibson.
16:55: Hamidu Rahman, NMSU, layup, Aggies 4, Idaho 4.
16:24: Foul on Steffan Johnson, Idaho
16:24: Two free throws made, Jahmar Young. Aggies 6, Idaho 4.
15:45: Marvin Jefferson, Idaho, dunk. Aggies 8, Idaho 6.
14:38: TV Time out
13:00: Hamidu Rahman, layup, Aggies 10, Idaho 10
13:24: Kashif Watson, layup, Aggies 8, Idaho 11
13:38: Mac Hopson, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 8, Idaho 9
11:30: Gordo Castillo, three-point basket, Aggies 15, Idaho 11
11:15: Luciano de Soza, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 15, Idaho 14
10:32: Troy Gillenwater, three-point basket, Aggies 18, Idaho 14
9:36: Jahmar young, offensive foul
9:15: Jeff ledbetter, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 18, Idaho 17
9:00: Shawn Henderson, Idaho, two-point basket, Aggies 18, Idaho 19
8:41: Hernst Laroche, three-point basket, Aggies 21, Idaho 19
7:30: Hamidu Rahman, layup, Aggies 23, Idaho 19
7:24: TV timeout
6:41: Gordo Castillo, three-point basket, Aggies 26, Idaho 19
6:29: 30-second timeout, Idaho
6:15: Marvin Jefferson, Idaho, dunk, Aggies 26, Idaho 21
4:53: Foul on Marvin Jefferson, Idaho
4:36: Jonathan Gibson, three-point basket, Aggies 29, Idaho 21
3:59: Jahmar Young, three-point basket, Aggies 32, Idaho 21
3:07: Jonathan Gibson, foul
3:06: TV timeout
2:35: Hamidu Rahman, foul with two-point basket, Aggies 34, Idaho 21
2:02: Jahmar Young, two-point basket, Aggies 36, Idaho 21
1:16: Foul Luciano de Souza, Idaho
1:13: Mac Hopson, Idaho, Dunk, Aggies 36, Idaho 23
0:31: Hamidu Rahman, layup, Aggies 28, Idaho 23
0:06: Timeout, Aggies
0:02: Wendell McKines, three-point basket, Aggies 41, Idaho 23
0:00 Halftime
-----Start of second half-----
19:44: Foul, Hamidu Rahman
19:44: Marvin Jefferson, Idaho, one of two from the free throw line, Aggies 41, Idaho 24
19:32: Wendell McKines, two free-throw baskets, Aggies 43, Idaho 24
18:51: Foul, Wendell McKines
18:51: Justin Stewart, Idaho, two free-throw baskets, Aggies 43, Idaho 26
18:40: Jahmar Young, three-point basket, Aggies 46, Idaho 26
18:06: Jonathan Gibson, two-point basket, Aggies 48, Idaho 26
17:37: Foul, Jeff Ledbetter, Idaho
17:37: Jahmar Young, missed two free throws
17:25: Kashif Watson, Idaho, two-point basket, Aggies 48, Idaho 28
16:46: Kashif Watson, Idaho, two free-throws made, Aggies 28, Idaho 30
16:36: Jahmar Young, three-point basket, Aggies 51, Idaho 30
15:42: Kyle Barone, dunk, Aggies 51, Idaho 32
15:35: Idaho timeout
15:17: Gordo Castillo, three-point basket, Aggies 54, Idaho 32
14:45: Mac Hopson, layup, Aggies 54, Idaho 36
14:30: Jonathan Gibson, three-point basket, Aggies 57, Idaho 36
13:50: Kyle Barone, Idaho, layup, Aggies 57, Idaho 38
13:00: Jonathan Gibson, dunk, Aggies 59, Idaho 38
12:00: Wendell McKines, layup, Aggies 61, Idaho 38
11:40 Luciano de Souza, three-point basket, Aggies 61, Idaho 43
10:30: Jahmar Young, reverse layup, Aggies 65, Idaho 43
9:40: Shawn Henderson, reverse layup, Aggies 65, Idaho 45
8:38: Foul, Hernst Laroche
8:38: Shawn Henderson, Idaho, made one free-throw baskets, Aggies 65, Idaho 46
7:26: Foul, Gordo Castillo
7:26: Shawn Henderson, basket and a free-throw, Aggies 65, Idaho 49
7:03: Foul, Wendell McKines
7:03: Marvin Jefferson, one of two free-throws, Aggies 65, Idaho 50
6:40: Jahmar Young, dunk, Agies 67, Idaho 50
4:00: Jonathan Gibson, three-point basket, Aggies 70, Idaho 50
3:31: TV timeout
3:06: Kyle Barone, Idaho, layup, Aggies 70, Idaho 52
2:40: Jahmar Young, layup, Aggies 72, Idaho 52
2:00: Jahmar Young, layup, Aggies 74, Idaho 52
1:15: Luciano de Souza, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 74, Idaho 55
00:24: Foul, Kelly Merker
00:24: Kyle Barone, two free-throws, Agies 74, Idaho 57
FINAL SCORE: Aggies 74, Idaho 57
Final recap: Apparently, Aggie students got the memo that tonight's game was nationally televised, and they came out in force. At the end of the game, Aggies coach Marvin Menzies proudly hailed the Aggies' student section as the sixth-man, which may have made Troy Gillenwater a bit disappointed, but definitely happy for the win. A lackluster crowd showed up for tonight's game, but the Aggies still managed to dominate the Idaho Vandals, 74 to 57, with strong support from students.
The story of the night was the Aggies hot 3-point shooting. They were 12-26 from three-point land, with guard Jonathan Gibson, guard Jahmar Young and Gordo Castillo each with 3.
For the Aggies, guard Jahmar Young led all scorers with 23 points, followed by guard Jonathan Gibson with 15 and forward Wendell McKines with 11.
The Vandals' leading scorers were center Kyle Baron with 10 points and guard Kashif Watson, also with 10.
Leading board-grabbers for the Aggies were forward Wendell McKines with 12 and Hamidu Rahman with 11. McKines nearly had a triple double, he also dished out 8 assists.
The Aggies are now 18-9 and 10-3 in WAC Play. Idaho is 13-14 and 4-9 in conference play.
Next up, the Aggies face Boise State University at the Pan American Center, at 7 p.m. MST.
----------
Halftime recap: The New Mexico State Aggies are at their best when they have balanced scoring. In tonight's game at the Pan American Center, guard Jahmar Young has scored 9 points, center Hamidu Rahman has 8 points and Las Cruces Native, guard Gordo Castillo has tallied up 8 points, six from three-point land.
The Idaho Vandals are struggling with the two Aggie bigs, power forward Troy Gillenwater and center Hamidu Rahman. The Aggies have out-rebounded the Vandals 21 to 20, with five of the Aggies' boards coming on the offensive end. Rahman has tallied up 8 boards, and forward Wendell McKines has 4.
Idaho's main scorer, guard Mac Hopson, has 5 points, 3 rebounds and two assists. Idaho guard Kashif Watson leads Idaho with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist.
The Aggies are shooting 54 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point land, and 66 percent from the free-throw line.
The Idaho Vandals are shooting 32 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point land, and have not attempted any free throws in the first half.
Aggie starters have accounted for Aggies' 30 points in the first half, with the bench pitching in 11.
Idaho's starts have accounted for Vandals' 15 points in the first half, with the bench pitching in 8.
18:38: Wendell McKines jump shot, Aggies 2-0
17:50: Kashif Watson, Idaho, layup. Aggies 2, Idaho 4.
17:08: Kashif Watson, Idaho, block on Jonathan Gibson.
16:55: Hamidu Rahman, NMSU, layup, Aggies 4, Idaho 4.
16:24: Foul on Steffan Johnson, Idaho
16:24: Two free throws made, Jahmar Young. Aggies 6, Idaho 4.
15:45: Marvin Jefferson, Idaho, dunk. Aggies 8, Idaho 6.
14:38: TV Time out
13:00: Hamidu Rahman, layup, Aggies 10, Idaho 10
13:24: Kashif Watson, layup, Aggies 8, Idaho 11
13:38: Mac Hopson, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 8, Idaho 9
11:30: Gordo Castillo, three-point basket, Aggies 15, Idaho 11
11:15: Luciano de Soza, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 15, Idaho 14
10:32: Troy Gillenwater, three-point basket, Aggies 18, Idaho 14
9:36: Jahmar young, offensive foul
9:15: Jeff ledbetter, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 18, Idaho 17
9:00: Shawn Henderson, Idaho, two-point basket, Aggies 18, Idaho 19
8:41: Hernst Laroche, three-point basket, Aggies 21, Idaho 19
7:30: Hamidu Rahman, layup, Aggies 23, Idaho 19
7:24: TV timeout
6:41: Gordo Castillo, three-point basket, Aggies 26, Idaho 19
6:29: 30-second timeout, Idaho
6:15: Marvin Jefferson, Idaho, dunk, Aggies 26, Idaho 21
4:53: Foul on Marvin Jefferson, Idaho
4:36: Jonathan Gibson, three-point basket, Aggies 29, Idaho 21
3:59: Jahmar Young, three-point basket, Aggies 32, Idaho 21
3:07: Jonathan Gibson, foul
3:06: TV timeout
2:35: Hamidu Rahman, foul with two-point basket, Aggies 34, Idaho 21
2:02: Jahmar Young, two-point basket, Aggies 36, Idaho 21
1:16: Foul Luciano de Souza, Idaho
1:13: Mac Hopson, Idaho, Dunk, Aggies 36, Idaho 23
0:31: Hamidu Rahman, layup, Aggies 28, Idaho 23
0:06: Timeout, Aggies
0:02: Wendell McKines, three-point basket, Aggies 41, Idaho 23
0:00 Halftime
-----Start of second half-----
19:44: Foul, Hamidu Rahman
19:44: Marvin Jefferson, Idaho, one of two from the free throw line, Aggies 41, Idaho 24
19:32: Wendell McKines, two free-throw baskets, Aggies 43, Idaho 24
18:51: Foul, Wendell McKines
18:51: Justin Stewart, Idaho, two free-throw baskets, Aggies 43, Idaho 26
18:40: Jahmar Young, three-point basket, Aggies 46, Idaho 26
18:06: Jonathan Gibson, two-point basket, Aggies 48, Idaho 26
17:37: Foul, Jeff Ledbetter, Idaho
17:37: Jahmar Young, missed two free throws
17:25: Kashif Watson, Idaho, two-point basket, Aggies 48, Idaho 28
16:46: Kashif Watson, Idaho, two free-throws made, Aggies 28, Idaho 30
16:36: Jahmar Young, three-point basket, Aggies 51, Idaho 30
15:42: Kyle Barone, dunk, Aggies 51, Idaho 32
15:35: Idaho timeout
15:17: Gordo Castillo, three-point basket, Aggies 54, Idaho 32
14:45: Mac Hopson, layup, Aggies 54, Idaho 36
14:30: Jonathan Gibson, three-point basket, Aggies 57, Idaho 36
13:50: Kyle Barone, Idaho, layup, Aggies 57, Idaho 38
13:00: Jonathan Gibson, dunk, Aggies 59, Idaho 38
12:00: Wendell McKines, layup, Aggies 61, Idaho 38
11:40 Luciano de Souza, three-point basket, Aggies 61, Idaho 43
10:30: Jahmar Young, reverse layup, Aggies 65, Idaho 43
9:40: Shawn Henderson, reverse layup, Aggies 65, Idaho 45
8:38: Foul, Hernst Laroche
8:38: Shawn Henderson, Idaho, made one free-throw baskets, Aggies 65, Idaho 46
7:26: Foul, Gordo Castillo
7:26: Shawn Henderson, basket and a free-throw, Aggies 65, Idaho 49
7:03: Foul, Wendell McKines
7:03: Marvin Jefferson, one of two free-throws, Aggies 65, Idaho 50
6:40: Jahmar Young, dunk, Agies 67, Idaho 50
4:00: Jonathan Gibson, three-point basket, Aggies 70, Idaho 50
3:31: TV timeout
3:06: Kyle Barone, Idaho, layup, Aggies 70, Idaho 52
2:40: Jahmar Young, layup, Aggies 72, Idaho 52
2:00: Jahmar Young, layup, Aggies 74, Idaho 52
1:15: Luciano de Souza, Idaho, three-point basket, Aggies 74, Idaho 55
00:24: Foul, Kelly Merker
00:24: Kyle Barone, two free-throws, Agies 74, Idaho 57
Congratulations Jack Nixon
I'm listening to Jack Nixon's pregame show, I think all of the staff at the Bulletin would like to congratulate him on reaching 900 games as the "Voice of the Aggies" last Saturday at Pacific.
I'll bet I've listened to at least 800 of his broadcasts.
I'll bet I've listened to at least 800 of his broadcasts.
Aggies play Idaho at home tonight
The New Mexico State Aggies (17-9, 9-3 Western Athletic Conference) play tonight at home against the Idaho Vandals (13-13,4-8 WAC). Though it looks like it should be a take-care-of-business game, the Vandals must not be taken lightly. Don't forget that in the pre-season polls the Vandals were picked to be among the WAC leaders, and many picked them ahead of NMSU. The Vandals are 6-4 in their last 10 games after starting WAC play at 1-5, including a narrow 72-75 loss to NMSU on Jan. 11. Mac Hopson is scoring a healthy 17.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg in WAC play. Marvin Jefferson has also been solid for the Vandals. In the Vandals most recent outing, a disappointing 66-77 BracketBuster loss at home to Long Beach, Jefferson was 6-out-of-7 from the floor and had 14 rebounds. Unfortunately nobody else showed up for the Vandals.
On another note, I would not expect a big crowd tonight in the Pan American Center. The late start time (9 p.m. MST), coupled with the explosion in the number of big-screen televisions will keep a lot of Aggie fans home watching the game on ESPN2.
I hope that next season the NMSU administration will realize that the core fanbase for the Aggies always has been and always will be the students. Let them out of their end-zone ghettos and back on the side of the court. Other schools (South Florida for instance) have re-examined their seating charts and had positive results.
On another note, I would not expect a big crowd tonight in the Pan American Center. The late start time (9 p.m. MST), coupled with the explosion in the number of big-screen televisions will keep a lot of Aggie fans home watching the game on ESPN2.
I hope that next season the NMSU administration will realize that the core fanbase for the Aggies always has been and always will be the students. Let them out of their end-zone ghettos and back on the side of the court. Other schools (South Florida for instance) have re-examined their seating charts and had positive results.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
