LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State women's basketball team opens up Western Athletic Conference play at the Pan American Center when it hosts Chicago State for the first game of 2018. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. MT on Jan. 6.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Fans who cannot make it to the game can follow live stats for the contest on
StatBroadcast. The game between the Aggies and Cougars on Jan. 6 can also be heard on 91.5 FM KRUX or through
TuneIn with Adam Young calling the action.
GET CONNECTED
To stay connected with the women's basketball team and catch all of the up-to-date information and breaking news, follow the Aggies on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @NMStateWBB.
SCOUTING THE COUGARS
Chicago State enters the Pan Am State with an 0-15 overall record. The Cougars are on a 50-game losing streak, with the team's last win coming back on Feb. 4, 2016, against Seattle U.
As a team, CSU has been outscored 75.9 to 50.1 in 15 games this season. The Cougars have averaged shooting just .345 from the field and .683 from the line. Chicago State has also given up 21.5 turnovers per game.
Despite the tough start to the season, Chicago State still has a pair of players averaging double digit points per game. Tyeshia Bowers leads the way with an average of 13.0 points per contest, followed by Phylicia Johnson at 12.3. Ines Mata Boix leads the way on the boards hauling in 7.9 rebounds per game.
NM State currently holds an 8-0 series lead over Chicago State, dating back to 2013. The last time these two teams faced off was back on Feb. 4, 2017, and the Aggies won, 65-54.
OFF TO THE RIGHT START
Historically, NM State has performed well in their conference openers. Since 1973-74, the Aggies boast a 25-19 record to start out the conference schedule. The team is also 8-4 in WAC openers, dating back to 2005-06.
The Aggies have won the last four in a row with opening night WAC victories over Grand Canyon, Utah Valley and a pair over UMKC.
SALAS NEARS THE 1,000 POINT THRESHOLD
Aggie junior guard
Brooke Salas has 978 career points through 76 games (12.9 PPG) for NM State. The Placentia, Calif. native will become the 23rd player to join the exclusive 1,000 point club in program history. Salas is set to join former teammates Brianna Freeman and Moriah Mack among the ranks of Aggies to reach the plateau. Through 14 games this season, the guard has averaged 19.1 points and dropped a career-high 32 this season at Pepperdine on Dec 17.
LAST TIME OUT
The New Mexico State women's basketball team closed out 2017 with a game against Western New Mexico on New Year's Eve in the Pan American Center. The Aggies opened up with an early run and did not look back as the team never trailed and took down the Mustangs, 89-60.
At the end of the game, NM State was led by
Aaliyah Prince who put up a career-high 16 points, followed behind by Pack and Salas who each scored 11. Salas also led the Aggies with 11 boards.
Strong play down low from NM State saw them outscore WNMU 46-28 in the paint. The Aggies also saw all 14 players finish with at least two points and the Aggie bench outscored the Mustangs 50-9.
UP NEXT
The Aggies continue Western Athletic Conference action at home in the next contest when they host Grand Canyon on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. (MT). Just two days later, NM State welcomes CSU Bakersfield on Jan. 13. Tip-off for the contest is slated for 2 p.m.
