Freshmen on display in Aggie win over Western New Mexico

By: Anthony Esparza 

New Mexico State’s Daniel Mullings dribbles up the court on a fast break during an NCAA basketball game against Western New Mexico at the Pan American Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, in Las Cruces, N.M. Zack Ponce

A win over Division II Western New Mexico may not seem like much, but the matchup against the Mustangs could not have come at a better time for the New Mexico State men’s basketball team.

The Aggies entered the game at 5-4 and on a three-game losing streak. The 92-65 win snapped the three-game skid and provided opportunities for some of the reserves to play.

 “I was happy to get all of the guys in the game and play some guys that haven’t had a chance to play yet,” NM State coach Marvin Menzies said. “It was good to be able to go against somebody else and get a chance to execute some of the things for some of those new guys.”

After two years without playing competitive basketball, freshman forward Remi Barry made his anticipated debut for the Aggies Wednesday. Barry played 18 minutes and finished with seven points and four rebounds.

“He gave us a lot of energy. He got some deflections and did some good things on defense,” Menzies said of Barry’s performance. “He knocked down a nice three and made his free-throws, which is always a big plus when you’re getting into competition in conference.”

Freshman guard Terrel de Rouen played a season-high 21 minutes. The Las Cruces native finished with seven points, four rebounds and two assists.

“Terrel showed some comfort tonight. He’s been able to get in a few games, but I thought he was much more vocal,” Menzies said. “Point guard wasn’t his position in high school, so we’re educating him at that spot.”

 

Freshman Daniel Mullings got the start at guard in place of sophomore Christian Kabongo, who was suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules. Mullings played a team-high 27 minutes.

“It’s definitely a different attitude, because you’ve got to bring your energy and everything at the tip of the game instead of a couple minutes in.” Mullings said regarding the difference between starting and coming off the bench.

Menzies did not comment on the length of Kabongo’s suspension.

The Aggies are now 6-4 and continue their five-game home stand against Southern on Dec. 19. 

New Mexico State’s Bandja Sy dribbles to the basket during an NCAA basketball game against Western New Mexico at the Pan American Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, in Las Cruces, N.M. Zack Ponce