LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Just a week after opening their season with a win, NM State (2-0, 0-0 CUSA) returned to Lou Henson Court and once again handled business; this time against New Mexico Highlands (0-3, 0-0 RMAC). Behind another strong outing from senior guard Jemel Jones, the Aggies took control in the second half to secure a 74-58 victory on Tuesday night inside the Pan American Center. 

The Aggies got off to a steady start offensively, led by early contributions from freshman forward Augustine Ekwe, who provided a spark off the bench with back-to-back second-chance buckets to swing momentum. After falling behind 9-5 midway through the first half, NM State's energy ramped up behind a defensive stand that fueled an 8-0 run capped by a fastbreak layup and free throw from Anthony Wrzeszcz to put the Aggies ahead 23-15. 

NM State held the lead for the rest of the night but wasn't done building momentum. Late in the first half, Jones and Chris Terrell combined for a quick five points, with Terrell drilling a corner three to send the Aggies into the break up 29-24. That spark carried over into the second half, as the Aggies opened on an 11-2 run from 2:06 in the first to 17:44 in the second, highlighted by Jones' step-back three and Cyr Malonga's three-point play to stretch the lead to double digits at 37-24. 

Moments later, NM State used another key spurt from a 10-2 run to take full control. Ekwe continued his efficient play inside, scoring on consecutive possessions before Kyrese Mullen's transition layup pushed the Aggies' lead to 47-32. From there, NM State's depth and defensive presence kept the Cowboys at bay as the Aggies would walk away with the victory 74-58. 

Jones led all scorers with 24 points on 9-17 shooting, adding three assists and a steal in 32 minutes. Wrzeszcz added 15 points, while Ekwe provided an impressive 10 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench. Terrell filled the stat sheet with six points, five steals, and four assists, continuing to establish himself as a defensive catalyst in Hooten's system. 

NUMBERS OF NOTE    

• Jemel Jones became the first Aggie since Christian Cook (Dec. 2023) to record back-to-back 20+ point games, scoring 23 in the opener and 24 tonight. 

• Freshman Augustine Ekwe notched an impressive performance tonight, finishing with season-high in points and rebounds with 10 points (5-7 FG) and six rebounds in just 18 minutes. 

• Chris Terrell's five steals marked the most by an Aggie in a game since Dec. 18, 2022. The Delta State transfer led all of Division II last season in steals per game (3.5). 

• NM State's defense forced 21 turnovers, the second straight game the Aggies have forced an opponent 20 or more. They caused Adams State to commit 22 in the opener. 

For complete coverage of NM State Men's Basketball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateMBB), Instagram (@NMStateMBB), and like us on Facebook (NMStateMBB).    

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