Utah State is set to host Richard Pitino’s Lobos from New Mexico.
Game: Utah State Aggies vs. New Mexico Lobos
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2024
Location: Logan, Utah Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
Radio: Lobo Sports Network, Rob Portnoy/Hunter Green
TV: FS1
New Mexico Lobos (17-4, 9-1 MWC) at Utah State Aggies (19-2, 9-1 MWC)
Utah State Hosts New Mexico in Mountain West Showdown
Utah State will host New Mexico in a battle between the conference’s top two teams. FS1 will televise the game.
Saturday’s matchup in Logan could be a preview of the Mountain West Tournament Championship as first-place New Mexico takes on Utah State.
New Mexico (17-4, 9-1 MW) has matched the best start to conference play in program history, reaching the midway point of the Mountain West schedule with a 9-1 record.
The Lobos are coming off a thrilling 75-73 win at UNLV last Saturday, highlighted by Donovan Dent’s 34 points and Nelly Junior Joseph’s 22 points and career-best 18 rebounds.
Dent leads the conference in scoring and ranks second in assists, while Joseph tops the Mountain West in rebounds and double-doubles.
Utah State (19-2, 9-1 MW) enters the matchup fresh off a 76-71 home victory over UNLV on Wednesday, avenging its only conference loss.
The Aggies are 11-1 at home this season and are led by Ian Martinez, who averages 16.7 points per game.
Utah State holds a 34-13 edge in the all-time series, including an 18-2 record in Logan and a 7-2 mark at the Smith Spectrum. The Aggies have won eight of the last nine meetings, though the teams split last season, with each winning on their home court.
Head Coach Richard Pitinos Lobos holds a slight edge in the standings with one more conference win than the Aggies.
Both teams share a 7-2 record against Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 opponents, but New Mexico’s losses to San Jose State (Quadrant 3) and New Mexico State (Quadrant 4) have made every remaining game crucial.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
A Quadrant 1 victory over Utah State would significantly boost the Lobos’ tournament resume, meaning the Aggies can expect a highly motivated opponent.
This is the first of two matchups between the teams in Utah State’s final 10 games, with the rematch set for February 16.
New Mexico
The Lobos (17-4, 9-1 MWC) enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak and rank fifth in the latest Mid-Major Basketball Top 25 Poll.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Known for its high-powered offense, New Mexico averages 83.4 points per game—18th nationally—while excelling in defensive pressure. It ranks 16th in forced turnovers (15.76) and 19th in rebounds per game (40.38).
Junior guard Donovan Dent has emerged as one of the most underrated players in college basketball, leading the Lobos with 19.6 points and 6.6 assists per game.
Senior center Nelly Joseph anchors the interior, averaging a double-double with 13.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Mustapha Amzil (12.7 ppg) and Tru Washington (10.4 ppg) also contribute double-digit scoring.
Utah State
The Aggies (19-2, 9-1 MWC) have been a force all season under first-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun, ranking third in the latest Mid-Major Basketball Top 25 Poll.
Like New Mexico, Utah State is riding a three-game winning streak.
Photo Courtesy of KSL Sports
One of the most well-rounded teams in the nation, the Aggies shine on both ends of the floor.
They average 82.4 points per game, shooting an efficient 49.8% from the field and 37.5% from three. Defensively, they allow just 67.7 points per game, force 14.76 turnovers, and hold opponents to 43.3% shooting.
Fifth-year guard Ian Martinez leads the offense, which averages 16.7 points per game while shooting 43% from the field and 38.9% from deep.
Sophomore guard Mason Falslev adds 15.2 points per game on an impressive 51.9% shooting, including 42.9% from beyond the arc.
Photo Courtesy of KSLS Sports
With first place in the Mountain West on the line, Saturday’s showdown promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season.
New Mexico’s Donovan Dent has emerged as a top contender for Mountain West Player of the Year, leading the league with 19.6 points per game.
He’s coming off a dominant performance against UNLV, where he dropped 34 points on 61.9% shooting and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
The showdown between the Aggies and Lobos is gaining national attention. It ranked third in Andy Katz’s Top 10 Games of the Week.
New Mexico is 11-3 on the season and is coming off a 103-89 win over Fresno State. Meanwhile, Nevada is coming off three straight losses, including a 69-64 loss to Utah State.
The New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team is gearing up for a significant Mountain West Conference matchup against the Utah State Aggies on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm in Logan, Utah.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
The Lobos are coming off a narrow 75-73 victory over UNLV on January 25, 2025, in Las Vegas.
This win bolstered their conference standing, placing them just ahead of the Aggies.
Historically, the rivalry between these two teams has been intense. In their last meeting on March 9, 2024, the Aggies edged out the Lobos with a close 87-85 win in Logan.
The upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Lobos to avenge that loss and strengthen their conference position.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Fans can look forward to live game coverage on ESPN, featuring real-time scores, highlights, and updated statistics.
As the Lobos prepare for this pivotal matchup, their recent performances and the desire to overcome past defeats will undoubtedly fuel their drive on the court.
Photo Courtesy of FanDuel
MATCHUP PREVIEW:
New Mexico travels to Utah State following a standout performance from Donovan Dent, who scored 34 points in the Lobos’ 75-73 win over UNLV.
The Aggies have been dominant at home, boasting an 11-1 record and a strong 14-2 mark against teams with winning records. Meanwhile, New Mexico sits atop the Mountain West in fast-break scoring, averaging 17.7 points per game in transition.
Utah State relies on perimeter shooting, averaging 9.2 made three-pointers per game—1.4 more than New Mexico typically allows (7.8).
The Lobos thrive offensively, scoring 83.4 points per game—15.7 more than the Aggies usually concede (67.7).
This is the first meeting between the teams in conference play this season.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
- Utah State: Mason Falslev (15.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.3 SPG), Ian Martinez (2.6 made threes per game in the last 10 games).
- New Mexico: Donovan Dent (19.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG), Nelly Junior Joseph (14.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG over the last 10 games).
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Utah State: 9-1, averaging 78.1 PPG, 28.4 RPG, 19.8 APG, 7.7 SPG, and 2.8 BPG on 51.8% shooting. Opponents: 70.1 PPG.
- New Mexico: 9-1, averaging 78.6 PPG, 36.2 RPG, 14.0 APG, 7.5 SPG, and 4.5 BPG on 45.9% shooting. Opponents: 68.6 PPG.
For the Lobos to come out on top, they must dictate the tempo, capitalize on their defensive pressure, and limit Utah State’s efficiency from beyond the arc.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
The Aggies are one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation, excelling on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they boast an elite attack, averaging 82.4 points per game while shooting 49.8% from the field and 37.5% from three.
Defensively, they allow just 67.7 points per game, force 14.76 turnovers, and hold opponents to 43.3% shooting.
With a balanced offense led by Ian Martinez (16.7 ppg, 38.9% 3PT) and Mason Falslev (15.2 ppg, 51.9% FG), the Aggies present a formidable challenge.
Suppose New Mexico can control the boards, disrupt Utah State’s rhythm, and continue their high-powered offensive production. They’ll have a powerful shot at claiming a crucial conference victory in that case.
The Lobos’ bench play will be crucial in this game. It will give them a shot at a big road win and prove who the big Dog is in the Mountain West Conference.
