Tarleton State Faces New Mexico State for the First Time Since 1964-65

TARLETON STATE (7-9, 2-6 WAC)

Billy Gillispie’s first year at the helm at Tarleton State has been about what you may expect. Due to the increase in level of competition as well as roster turnover, 2020-21 has had its ups and downs. Gillispie is also no stranger to New Mexico State as he holds a 2-2 record against the Aggies from his time in charge at UTEP back in 2002-2003.

His group this year is a tad undersized. However, it’s fearless and boasts four players that are averaging double-digits. But, the status of key rotation player, Tahj Small is still up in the air at the time of this preview. Small, a transfer from Troy is one of those double-digit scorers (10.3) but also the teams leading rebounder (6.7 RPG).

If you think the Aggies play small ball, even with Small in the lineup, the Texans may have them beat. Starting post Jonathan Jackson stands just 6-6. And the tallest player regularly seeing time on the court is 6-7, 210-pound combo forward, Konstantine Dotsenkoko. Dotsenko comes off of the bench to provide a scoring punch as the team’s second leading scorer at 11.2 PPG.

Where the Texans may find an advantage is through tough defensive efforts. They boast the nation’s best STL% (16.1 per game) and force a turnover on 23.3 percent of opponent’s possessions (good enough for 35th nationally).

If the Aggies struggle to knock down shots, as they have recently (shot 37.3% against UVU), it could be a long weekend in Stephenville. NMSU must take care of the ball, which they did against the Wolverines (21 assists to 14 turnovers).

Watch the Tarleton State Coaches Show to see what Billy Gillispie has to say about the Aggies. 

MATCHUP TO KEEP AN EYE ON: BATTLE OF THE BACKCOURTS

The depth in the backcourt and on the wing for both programs is insane. But either contest may be won on the backs of either of these two highlighted players. For the Aggies, it’s redshirt junior Jabari Rice. After missing two games earlier in the year, Rice appears fit and doesn’t appear to have any lingering effects from a recent foot injury. Rice is coming off of a 20-point, 5-rebound performance in NMSU’s win over Utah Valley on Saturday.

For the Texans, it’s junior guard Montre’ Gibson who leads the team in points (14.5 PPG) and assists (2.9 APG). The DeSoto, TX native followed Gillispie to Stephenville after spending his first two years at Ranger College. Since arriving, Gibson has been the Texans leader in their first year transitioning from Division II. Though a little nonexistent in Tarleton’s 64-48 loss to Dixie State on Saturday, Gipson looked a lot sharper in their 74-59 win on Friday, dropping 16 points on 7-13 made field goals in the big win.

With Gibson’s reputation as a bulldozing lane driver, pairing him up against NMSU’s Evan Gilyard II may prove feeble early on. Gilyard II’s performance as of late has been stellar. As the team’s best distributor, having not committed a turnover in their recent series against UVU (5 assists/0 Turnovers), Gilyard II is executing at a high level. Rice may provide a better defensive matchup. Rice has a length and size advantage to help corral Gibson beyond the arc as well. Gibson dropped 30-points, while going 11-19 from the field and 3-6 from deep against league-leading GCU last month.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE?

PREDICTION

KenPom has New Mexico State pulling off the sweep this weekend as five-point favorites in each contest. Given the Texans form in recent games this doesn’t seem unrealistic at all. So I think this one holds true and the Aggies get their first sweep of the season this weekend.

Game 1: New Mexico State 72, Tarleton State 70

Game 2: New Mexico State 83, Tarleton State 73

Tip off for both WAC matchups this weekend are at 6:00 PM MT and 7:00 PM CT on Friday and Saturday and can be seen on ESPN+ (FRI) and the WAC Digital Network (SAT).