Aggies vs. Aggies Saturday
After a 77-63 victory over Louisiana Tech Thursday night, USU now prepares for a tough, physical New Mexico State team in nationally televised game Saturday.
USU held its own for until the final minutes of the game against NMSU on the road, but the southern Aggies outscored USU 32-12 in the final 13 minutes to capture an 80-60 win.
“Their size and talent level presents lots of problems,” Morrill said. “We’re back to a big issue on the boards with their height and their bulk. They have a premiere player obviously in Wendell McKines. Hernst (Laroche) is a senior (and) does a very good job of leading their team. They’ve got size and athleticism.”
Mckines finished with a double-double against USU last time around, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Laroche nearly reached a double-double with 10 points and six assists. Daniel Mullings went 8 of 10 from the floor to lead NMSU with 17 points.
The rebounding differential was the glaring stat, however. NMSU outrebounded USU 42-31 and the northern Aggies gave up 14 offensive rebounds, which translated to 18 second-chance points.
NMSU’s entire personnel presents a challenge in rebounding — especially 6-foot-11 senior Hamidu Rahman.
“He plays 19 minutes a game and averages double-figures,” Morrill said. “He’s just a force inside. He demands a double team and that causes you problems. You go double him and how do you block Wendell McKines off? Wendell is the best rebounder in the league.”
Morrill said NMSU’s defense will present a variety of problems.
“They have a 6-8 two-guard in Bandja Sy. Guarding him is an issue, he plays the two and the three. Then the freshman two guard (Daniel Mullings) that gets six rebounds a game, blocking him off is another problem.”
NMSU displayed some showboating during its blowout victory and USU is ready for a little redemption.
“Showboating and all that; they’ve got to come here now,” Junior forward Kyisean Reed said. “I’m ready for that.”
Reed scored 20 points, 16 in the second half, and thrived against Louisiana Tech’s size, but Morrill is more concerned with how he will play against a more physical New Mexico State team.
“We love it when he gets some lobs and gets loose on the break,” Morrill said. “Those are some fun plays for the crowd and it gives our team a little energy, but the key for Kyisean is the physical part of the game. Saturday, we really need him stick his nose in against the physical play of New Mexico State and not be taken out by their size and physicality.”
Despite the early start time, Morrill hopes there will be a large crowd Saturday afternoon.
“Logan is an interesting place on Saturdays,” Morrill said. “People have lots of activities, lots of things with their kids and all of that which I fully understand, but hopefully there is enough that can free up some time to come to the game. Usually when there is national television involved that motivates a few. So hopefully that will help.”
– ty.d.hus@aggiemail.usu.edu