New Mexico State aims to break losing streak against Abilene Christian

In Las Cruces, New Mexico, on December 4, 2024, New Mexico State will host the Abilene Christian Wildcats as they seek to break a troubling four-game losing streak. New Mexico State has only managed to secure two wins at home this season, indicating a challenging start for the team. They currently hold a 3-4 overall record in head-to-head matchups against their Southern competitors in the Western Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, Abilene Christian owns a 5-3 record and has shown mixed results in away games, with just one victory out of three attempts on the road. The game serves not only as a critical contest for both teams but also as a potential turning point for the Aggies who are looking to improve their standing in the WAC. The Aggies have averaged 71.3 points per game, slightly outscoring their opponents by an average of 1.2 points per game. Their shooting efficiency, however, has been underwhelming, sitting at 39.3% from the field, which is notably lower than the 42.3% that Abilene Christian allows to opposing teams. This statistical discrepancy indicates areas where the Aggies will need to improve to reclaim their confidence and competitiveness. The Wildcats have exhibited stronger defensive capabilities, particularly in rebounding, averaging 24.4 defensive rebounds per game. Joseph Venzant has significantly contributed to this aspect of their game, averaging 3.7 defensive rebounds per contest, and it's a statistic the Aggies will need to address if they hope to succeed. On the offensive end, Abilene Christian shoots an average of 5.1 three-pointers per game, which is considerably lower than the 7.9 that New Mexico State's defense has presented to their competitors. This suggests that while New Mexico State's defense allows for more perimeter scoring opportunities, Abilene Christian may not capitalize on them as much. Teams like the Wildcats can cause damage if the Aggies fail to tighten their interior defense, setting the stage for a competitive match. As both teams prepare for the game, the stakes are high, particularly for New Mexico State, who will need to overcome their recent struggles and refocus their energies for this crucial matchup. The concluding thoughts on this playing day will likely depend on whether New Mexico can leverage home-field advantage effectively enough against a team that has shown resilience but has its own challenges on the road.