March Madness 2013: New Mexico State Aggies are in the NCAA Tournament
By Jason Lisk
Conference/Record: WAC (24-10)
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Famous Alums/Attendees: Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of the Dominican Republic, is an alum.
Social Media: @NMStateAggies is the team account.
Random Fun Fact: New Mexico State (a #6 seed) was the first opponent for Loyola Marymount when the team went on its run to the Elite Eight, with Bo Kimble shooting free throws left handed to honor Hank Gathers.
Tournament History/Most Recent: New Mexico State has made 20 previous appearances, winning ten games. They lost to Indiana as a 13-seed last year. In 1970, the Aggies reached the Final Four under head coach Lou Henson with star players Jimmy Collins and Sam Lacey, losing to UCLA.
Good Wins/Bad Losses: New Mexico State beat Southern Miss and split with the other two top teams in the WAC, Denver and Louisiana Tech. They lost twice to New Mexico and also at Bucknell. No really horrible losses, worst was by 21 at Texas-Arlington in December.
Notable Player(s): New Mexico State is your all-name team. Freshman Sim Bhullar is 7’5″, and is shooting over 60% from the floor. He emerged after center Tshilidzi Nephawe injured his thumb earlier this year. Bhullar is joined up front by Bandja Sy. Swingman Tyrone Watson was suspended for a month earlier this year for an assault arrest. He returned but injured his ankle, and is questionable to participate in the tournament.
All-Important Rankings: 55 (RPI), 80 (Pomeroy), 64 (Seven Overtimes)
Outlook/Seed: New Mexico State draws the 13 seed against St. Louis in the South Region. The Lobos are the tallest team in the country, and rely on getting the ball inside and getting put backs. They are near the bottom in three point attempts and outside shooting. The matchup with the Billikens front line of Loe and Ellis will dictate the outcome.
Other Tournament Profiles:
James Madison
Florida Gulf Coast
Harvard
Liberty
Creighton
Belmont
Bucknell
Gonzaga
Saint Louis
Albany
Pacific
Iona
Valparaiso