Aggies advance over Lobos
For the third time this season, Utah State found itself in a close game against New Mexico and for the third time this season the Aggies emerged victorious.
USU beat the Lobos 69-66 in the first round of the Mountain West Conference tournament, advancing to a second-round matchup against top-seeded Colorado State. The Aggies trailed by as many as 11 in the contest, but held New Mexico to just six field goals in the second half and made key shots late to seal the game.
“I thought this game would be the closest one probably played in the next 48 hours,” said Head Coach Jerry Finkbeiner. “Just because the two games we played this year against New Mexico were a five‑point win and a two‑point win.”
New Mexico began the game scoring at will in the paint, shooting better than 58 percent for 48 points in the first half. The Lobos also shot 17 free throws in the opening half, hitting 11 and adding another eight points off of fast breaks.
Despite the Lobos’ offensive display, the Aggies trailed by only four points at halftime following a Makenlee Williams four-point-play.
The second half featured a more aggressive USU defense, holding New Mexico to 22 percent shooting for just six field goals in the entire half.
“I thought we really clamped down, especially on the defensive boards,” said senior guard Jennifer Schlott. “I thought our effort was just key, though. We really just knew where the shooters were.”
Schlott, who was named the Mountain West Women’s Basketball Player of the Year on Sunday, scored 29 points and added seven assists to the effort.
Stephanie Bairstow, who tied her season high with 16 points, received praise from both Coach Finkbeiner and Schlott after the game.
“It’s just what we expect from her,” Schlott said. “She’s a great player. She’s just going to do this night in and night out, I think.”
Coach Finkbeiner agreed.
“I think you’ll see this is the Stephanie Bairstow of the future,” Finkbeiner said. “She’s an inside‑out girl.”
The Aggies face second round opponent No. 1 Colorado State Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. PST at the Thomas and Mack Center.
– logan.jones@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @logantj