The No.1-seeded New Mexico State Aggies (22-9) play the UMKC Kangaroos (12-18) in the second round of the WAC tournament at Orleans Arena. The game starts at 9:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 11.
The Aggies won big over Texas-Rio Grande Valley 83-44 in their last game. Pascal Siakam fueled the Aggies, recording 24 points and 10 rebounds to notch his 25th double-double this season. The Kangaroos, meanwhile, are coming off an 80-78 win over Utah Valley in the 1. Martez Harrison shot 10-for-20 and led in scoring with 24 points.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between two of the nation’s best defenses. New Mexico State ranks third in the nation in defensive efficiency (93.4), while UMKC is 34th (107.2). Also, the Kangaroos commit the 34th-fewest errors in the nation (TO% of 20.0%), while the ball-hawking defense of the Aggies causes the 33rd-most (opponents’ TO% of 16.4%).
The Aggies have won both contests against the Kangaroos this season, including a 62-61 blowout in their last matchup. Harrison was a top performer in the victory with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Notes
In its last game, New Mexico State won by a margin of 39 points. UMKC is 1-5 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. New Mexico State has a 10-2 record in blowouts.
The UMKC Kangaroos have a defensive rating of 107.2 (ranked 34th), while the New Mexico State Aggies have an offensive rating of 106.8 (ranked 155th).
The UMKC Kangaroos average 67.6 possessions per game and 1.030 points per possession. The New Mexico State Aggies earn fewer possessions with 67.5, but they score more points with 1.068.
The New Mexico State Aggies average an effective field goal percentage of 51.5% this season. The UMKC Kangaroos have a subpar record of 2-12 when opponents have an eFG% of 51.5% or greater.
New Mexico State ranks 93rd in assists, registering 14.6 per game. UMKC performs worse at 303rd with 11.5 assists per game.
The New Mexico State Aggies are one of the top rebounding teams in the nation with an average of 41.5 per game (ranked ninth). The UMKC Kangaroos are outside the top 100 with 35.2 rebounds per game (ranked 227th).
UMKC ranks 114th in offensive rebounds, while New Mexico State ranks at second in defensive rebounds.
On average, UMKC forces a turnover rate of 18.2%. When New Mexico State turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a solid 12-6 record.
