The Arizona Wildcats take on the New Mexico State Aggies tonight at 7 in their first true road game of the season. Although the Aggies and the Wildcats clashed regularly from 1917-1971, it’s only the fourth meeting since 1971, and the first time the Wildcats have played in Las Cruces, N.M., in nearly 40 years.
The Aggies are 5-1 and return to the Pan American Center for just their second home game of the season. NMSU spent three games in Anchorage, Alaska, and had a 2-1 mark as they took third place in the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.
The Aggies are led by forward Wendell McKines, who nearly averages 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. NMSU’s Christian Kabongo, Bandja Sy and Hernst Laroche also average double figures.
McKines, a 6-foot-6 redshirt senior, missed the 2010-2011 season with a broken foot, but as a junior still managed to average 10.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
New Mexico State is shooting 43 percent from the floor and averaging 78.5 points per game. Like Arizona, the Aggies have played significantly better in the second half, outscoring opponents by 51 points through six games.
Head coach Sean Miller is 1-0 against New Mexico State.