Teams making just 33.3% of their shots at halftime usually face an uphill climb in the second half. Yet New Mexico State was not only still in the game, it was tied.

In fact, the Aggies led for most of the first half against New Mexico on Saturday, Nov. 15, at home. That was because of defense.

As is typical of teams coached by NM State's Jason Hooten, the Aggies were tenacious on defense against the Lobos and held their rivals to 37.5% shooting in the first half. UNM didn't even earn its first lead until going up 27-26 with 1:27 left until halftime, and NM State tied it at 27 before the buzzer.

The defensive play gave the Aggies time to heat up offensively, and boy, did they. NM State (3-0) shot 48.3% from the field in the second half, powering it to a 76-68 win over UNM (3-1).

"That'

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