Utah State will host New Mexico in a clash between the top two teams in the Mountain West Conference at 9:30 p.m. ET Saturday in Logan, Utah, with the game televised on FS1.
New Mexico
New Mexico (17-4, 9-1 MWC) enters the contest riding a three-game winning streak and fifth in the latest Mid-Major Basketball Top 25 Poll. The Lobos boast one of the nation’s top-scoring offenses, averaging 83.4 points per game, ranking 18th nationally. They rank 16th in forced turnovers (15.76) and 19th in rebounds per game (40.38).
Junior guard Donovan Dent is one of the most underrated players in college basketball. He is New Mexico’s best offensive player, averaging 19.6 points and 6.6 assists per game.
Six-foot-10 senior center Nelly Joseph averages a double-double for the Lobos, recording 13.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per contest. Mustapha Amzil (12.7 ppg) and Tru Washington (10.4 ppg) also average in double figures in scoring.
Utah State
Utah State (19-2, 9-1 MWC) has been one of the best mid-major teams all season under first-year coach Jerrod Calhoun. The Aggies rank third in the latest Mid-Major Basketball Top 25 Poll and are currently riding a three-game winning streak.
The Aggies are among the most well-rounded teams in the nation, excelling on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they rank among the best, averaging 82.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 49.8% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow just 67.7 points per game, force 14.76 turnovers and hold opponents to 43.3% shooting.
The Aggies feature a balanced offensive attack, with only two players averaging double figures in scoring. Fifth-year guard Ian Martinez averages 16.7 points per game on 43% shooting, including 38.9% from 3. Sophomore guard Mason Falslev averages 15.2 points per game on 51.9% shooting, including 42.9% from beyond the arc.
