ARLINGTON, Texas - Following the conclusion of the APSU Christmas Tournament, NM State turns to its final non-conference game of the 2023-24 season. On Saturday afternoon, the Aggies will take on UT Arlington in a matchup between two WAC members from a year ago. The Lady Mavericks enter the contest at 3-8 on the season, but have won their last two over Conference USA opponents. NM State is looking to avoid its first three-game losing streak this year, coming off back-to-back losses in Tennessee.

 

How to Follow

Who: NM State (6-6, 0-0 CUSA) at UT Arlington (3-8, 0-2 WAC)

Where: College Park Center - Arlington, Texas

When: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM MT

Live Stream: ESPN+

Live Statistics: NM State StatBroadcast

All-Time Series Record: Tied 4-4

Last Meeting: NM State 69, UT Arlington 60 (Feb. 23, 2023)

 

Where the Aggies Stand

The Aggies haven't taken the floor in over a week, most recently falling in both games of the APSU Christmas Tournament. They first fell in a nail-biting finish against the hosting Governors, as a buzzer-beating floater fell to sink the Aggies 57-55 in overtime. Just a day later, the Troy Trojans exploded for 81 points; the most by any NM State opponent this season. The Aggies hit just three 3-pointers en route to a 66-point performance. The game was the first loss of the season in which NM State scored at least 60 points, and the second half marked the first time the Aggies played a half without a made field goal from beyond the arc. 

 

There was a 6-foot-1 bright spot on the 0-2 road trip, however. Fanta Gassama made her NM State and Division I debut, scoring 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting in her appearance at Austin Peay. The junior and South Georgia Tech transfer also hauled in five rebounds, an assist and a steal in her 24 minutes against the Governors. 

 

With a win, NM State would close out its non-conference slate with a 7-6 mark. The last time the Aggies had a winning non-conference record was 2018-19, when they finished 11-6.

 

Scouting the Lady Mavericks

UT Arlington is led by Head Coach Shereka Wright in her fourth season at the helm. Since taking over, Wright has a 50-40 record, and has led the Lady Mavericks to a Sun Belt Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022. 

 

After starting the season 1-8, UTA embarked on a three-game stretch of Conference USA opponents, concluding with Saturday's matchup against NM State. The Lady Mavs came out victorious in the first two, taking down Sam Houston and Jacksonville State on Dec. 16 and 19, respectively. After winning by 11 and five on the road, UTA enjoyed a 10-day break before returning to its home floor at College Park Center.

 

Avery Brittingham is the engine of the Lady Mavs, leading the team in points (12.7), 3-point percentage (40.0), rebounds (9.0), blocks (1.1) and steals (1.6). The senior forward was named to the All-WAC First Team a year ago as a member of Stephen F. Austin, and has made a strong impact on UTA's program since arriving in the offseason. In her last appearance, Brittingham posted 19 points (9-for-16 from the field), eight rebounds and three assists, a steal and a block.

 

For complete coverage of NM State Women's Basketball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWBB), Instagram (@NMStateWBB) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women's Basketball). You can also follow along with Aggie Women's Basketball via NMStateSports.com.

 

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