LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The UMKC men’s basketball team (8-14, 3-4) dropped a 70-54 decision to New Mexico State (17-4, 6-1) on Thursday night at the Pan American Center.
Rob Whitfield paced the Roos in the game, scoring 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field, including 3-of-5 from long range, and 5-of-6 from the free throw line, while Jordan Giles was the only other Roo in double figures, notching 13 points in the contest. Combined, the duo helped the Roos to 33 bench points in the game.
NMSU built an early seven-point lead in the contest, but a jumper from Xavier Bishop and a three from Giles off an assist from Jamel Allen brought the lead down to two midway through the half.
The Aggies stretched the lead to a first half-high of 11 twice, including late in the half at 30-19, but another long ball from Giles, on an assist from Brandon McKissic, cut the deficit to 30-22 at the break.
The Aggies struck first in the second half, but a three ball from Bishop, again assisted by McKissic, cut the lead down to seven with just over 18 minutes left to play.
The Roos, however, would get no closer as NMSU stretched the advantage to a game-high 22 before coming away with the 16-point victory.
“It’s hard to overcome a deficit when you give up 16 offensive rebounds,” head coach Kareem Richardson said. “We will work to get better on the glass and we will be ready to go against UTRGV.”
Next Up
· UMKC returns to action on Saturday in Edinburg, Texas, when they face UTRGV at 7 p.m. CT in WAC play.
Quick Hitters
· UMKC outscored the Aggies from the free throw line 18 to 11.
· The Roos forced 15 Aggie turnovers, leading to 16 points, while turning the ball over only six times.
· UMKC limited NMSU to just one fast break point.
· Xavier Bishop was held to single digits in scoring for just the third time this season and the first time since the third game of the season.
· The win extends NMSU’s streak to 12 straight over UMKC.
· NMSU outrebounded UMKC 43 to 17.
· NMSU never trailed in the contest.
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