What: Game Nineteen
Who: NM State (10-8, 3-5 CUSA) vs FIU (9-10, 2-5 CUSA)
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 12:00 p.m. MT
Where: Las Cruces, N.M. – Pan American Center (12,200)
THE OPENING TIP
• Coming off a tough loss to Missouri State in just its second home setback of the season, NM State quickly turns its attention to Conference USA action as it continues its homestand with a midday matchup against FIU on Saturday, Jan. 24. Tip-off is set for noon at the Pan American Center.
• Saturday's contest marks the second meeting between the two programs this season. The Aggies dropped the first matchup in Miami, falling 89-74 to FIU, which handed NM State its first Conference USA loss of the season.
IN CUSA
• Jemel Jones leads NM State at 16.0 points per game, ranking seventh in Conference USA, while also showcasing his efficiency. Jones ranks 10th in the league in field-goal percentage (42.2%) and fifth in free-throw percentage (82.1%).
• Jones is also a force on the defensive end, averaging a team-high 1.6 steals per game, which ranks fourth in CUSA.
• Julius Mims anchors the Aggies on the glass, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game, the third-highest mark in Conference USA.
• Anthony Wrzeszcz has been NM State's top perimeter threat, leading the team with 34 made three-pointers, ranking 14th in CUSA.
THE JONES SHOW
• In the Aggies last contest Jemel Jones would have one of his best performances of the season so far, as he posted a season-high 28 points, going 4-8 from three-point range to record his fourth 20-point performance of the season, the most by any Aggie this year.
THE PREVIOUS MATCHUP
• When the Aggies and Panthers met earlier this season in Miami, NM State saw its two-game winning streak snapped as FIU pulled away in the second half for an 89-74 decision at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, handing the Aggies their first Conference USA loss of the season.
• The opening half featured multiple lead changes, with the score tied at both 14-14 and 19-19, before FIU used an 18-2 run to build a 16-point advantage. NM State responded with resilience, closing the half on a 13-2 run capped by a late Anthony Wrzeszcz three to trim the deficit to 44-39 at the break.
• FIU regained control early in the second half, opening the period on a 9-0 run to extend its lead, and maintained momentum over the final 20 minutes to secure the win.
• Wrzeszcz led all scorers with 15 points, tying his season high with four three-pointers, while Elijah Elliott provided a spark off the bench with 14 points. Julius Mims and Jae'Coby Osborne each added 10 points, as NM State finished with 38 bench points and shot 49 percent from the field.
BOOST FROM THE BENCH
• NM State continues to feature one of the deepest and most productive bench units in the nation as the Aggies rank 27th nationally in bench points per game, averaging 32.8 points per contest from their reserve unit.
• The Aggie bench features six players who have scored in double figures off the bench at least once this season.
FAMILIAR FACE
• The Aggies will see a familiar name on the opposing roster as former NM State guard Zawdie Jackson now runs the point for FIU.
• Jackson spent the 2024–25 season with the Aggies, starting all 32 games while averaging 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest during his lone season in the Crimson & White.
DEFENSIVE DISRUPTION
• NM State continues to establish itself as one of the top defensive teams in Conference USA and nationally.
• The Aggies rank 25th in the country in field-goal percentage defense, holding opponents to just 39.6% shooting. NM State also sits 52nd nationally in three-point percentage defense, limiting opponents to 30.4% shooting from beyond the arc.
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
• FIU enters Friday's contest with a 9-10 overall record and a 2-5 mark in Conference USA play. The Panthers are coming off a hard-fought loss on the road at UTEP 83-77.
• FIU is led by head coach Jeremy Ballard, now in his eighth season at the helm of the program.
• The Panthers present a significant challenge on both ends of the floor, ranking 26th nationally in offensive rebounds per game (13.7) while also applying constant defensive pressure. FIU sits seventh in the nation in steals per game (10.0) and 11th in turnovers forced per game (15.8).
• The Panthers are led by Corey Stephenson, who paces the team in scoring averaging 17.2 points. On the boards, the big man Hamed Olayinka leds the team with a team high 6.9 rebounds per game.
For complete coverage of the 2025-26 season 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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