MIDLAND, Texas – Sidy N'Dir led all players with 16 points in New Mexico State's final exhibition game on Sunday at the Chaparral Center as it fell to Texas Tech 84-54 in its charity game benefitting the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
 
"Disappointing," commented head coach Chris Jans after the game. "We got outplayed by a much more athletic Texas Tech team. On the bright side, this game doesn't count towards our record. Hopefully it'll be an impetus to us practicing better and having better results."
 
After giving up the opening basket to Texas Tech, the Aggie starting line-up with the insertion of AJ Harris and Zach Lofton got out to a 10-2 run before Red Raiders closed within 10-7 at the 15:52 media timeout.
 
The size and length of the Red Raiders began to show after that as they went on a 22-6 run. Eli Chuha ended the scoring drought for NM State after the offense had a great sequence of ball movement that led to his open 15-footer.
 
A 3-pointer by Johnathon Wilkins on the following possession cut the Texas Tech lead to 29-21 before both teams headed into the locker room with NM State behind 39-27.
 
The 16-4 point differential in the paint and 56-percent shooting from the floor was the key factor in the first half deficit, despite NM State turning the ball over 13 times.
 
NM State's defense was active to start the second half, but trailed as much as 53-30 moments after the media break at 15:35.
 
Eight-straight points by N'Dir, including a pair of treys, brought NM State within 74-48 of the Red Raiders but a bucket before the final media timeout had the Aggies down another bucket. Freshman Gabe Hadley knocked down his second three of the night before the score became final 84-54.
 
Aggie basketball returns home to the friendly confines of the Pan American Center for its season-opener and home-opener at 7 p.m. against East Central University on Friday, Nov. 10. Back by popular demand, the first promotion of the year will take place on Friday as well, with the first 1,000 fans receiving a limited edition Aggie series hat. Fans can purchase season tickets at the Pan Am Center Ticket Office or by calling 575-646-1420.