Facing the defending WAC champions on the road, Southern Utah started off conference action with a win.
New Mexico State started off the game on a 10-0 run, and it looked as though it could be a tough night for SUU in its first-ever WAC game.
The T-birds battled back however, and a three-pointer by Cameron Healy with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half gave the visitors their first lead, 15-14.
It took only three minutes for Southern Utah to extend the lead to eight (27-19), but the lead never grew any larger. The Aggies kept the game close and had cut SUU’s lead to five at halftime, 37-32.
The T-birds maintained control for much of the second half, leading by as many as 14. A late flurry from NMSU cut the visitors’ lead to three with 10 seconds left, but a final free throw sealed Southern Utah’s 79-75 win.
SUU shot 10-of-23 (43.5%) from downtown in the victory, while also turning 16 Aggie turnovers into 25 points.
Five players scored in double figures for the T-birds, led by 20 from Tevian Jones. Jason Spurgin chipped in 12 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks for SUU.
Up next
Southern Utah (9-5, 1-0 WAC) will now return to Cedar City to host its inaugural WAC home game.
The T-birds will take on Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, December 31 at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
