MATCHUP TO KEEP AN EYE ON: WHO BATTLES GAK IN THE PAINT?
Both squads play with several undersized players in the post, but one matchup to keep an eye on is whoever is tasked with containing 6-11 235 center Gorjok Gak. Gak is a graduate transfer from SEC country, and is enjoying the uptick in playing time out west where he is averaging 12.7 PPG 10.8 RPG, 2.1 APG & 1.8 BPG in just 25.7 MPG.
The Sydney, Australia native does a little bit of everything for the Lancers and may be the difference maker if the Aggies have trouble stopping him down low.
New Mexico State’s big men are no slouches but the size difference is obvious with their current starting center Johnny McCants standing 6-7 235. McCants uses his length and athleticism to make up for it but given any foul trouble, understudies in the post don’t get much bigger for the Aggies.
WHAT’S ON THE LINE?
For the Lancers it’s a chance to keep winning momentum and catch up with the Antelopes. Currently sitting at third place with a 8-5 (3-3 in the WAC) record, California Baptist has had a completive season thus far. But to remain in any race for the championship they need to secure some sweeps to catch up to Utah Valley and UTRGV. Only then can they consider overtaking Grand Canyon who they face on February 19th on the road in Phoenix.
For the Aggies it’s the need to log some W’s in the win column. Especially if they still consider themselves in the running for the conference championship. The Aggies were riding a 31-0 conference winning streak before falling to Grand Canyon last week. The last loss you may ask, came at the hands of California Baptist in the CBU Events Center 76-82.
Things are anything but ordinary this year, especially for the Aggies who have relocated to Phoenix and now El Paso to play games. But still, anything less than a split against California Baptist is cause for concern regarding their four-peat title run.
PREDICTION
KenPom has the Aggies as 11-point favorites in both games but after last weeks performance I am not so convinced the Aggies pull off the sweep.
Game 1: New Mexico State 82, CBU 77
Game 2: CBU 84, New Mexico State 70
I predict a series split and for the first game to be a bit close with the Aggies still being able to pull this one out give last week’s shame still looming. But for the second leg I see the Lancers coming to play to walk away with at least one win before they head home to host UTRGV at home next week.
Tip off for this weekend WAC matchup is at 6 p.m. PT and 7:00 PM MT and can be seen on the WAC Digital Network. As well as Fox Sports SW, Fox Sports AZ, ‘The CW’ in El Paso and Las Cruces, Comcast New Mexico and Fox Sports Go.
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