What: Game Nine 
Who: NM State (6-2, 0-0 CUSA) vs Tulsa (9-1, 0-0 American) 
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 1:00 p.m. MT 
Where: Frisco, Texas – Comerica Center 

THE OPENING TIP  

• NM State enters its ninth game of the season after its first true road test, where a late push at Abilene Christian came up short in a 77-69 setback to the Wildcats. 

• The Aggies now turn their focus to what will be one of their tougher matchups of the season, taking on Tulsa in a neutral-site contest on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. MT inside the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. 

• Friday's showdown marks the 38th meeting between the two programs, with Tulsa holding a 21-16 advantage in the all-time series. The most recent meeting came on Dec. 22, 2023, during Jason Hooten's first season at the helm, when the Aggies fell 65-59 in Tulsa. 

HISTORIC START 

• The Aggies' 6-0 opening this season marked their best start in more than 50 years. The last NM State team to begin a season this fast was the 1969–70 Final Four team, linking this year's group to one of the most storied runs in program history. 

OWNING THE GLASS IN CUSA 

• As of Dec. 1, Conference USA programs are averaging 39.6 rebounds per game – a figure that ranks third among all Division I conferences. Only the SEC (41.2) and ACC (40.2) average more rebounds per contest, underscoring the physicality and emphasis on the boards that define CUSA competition. 

LEADING THE PACK 

• Senior guard Jemel Jones continues to pace the Aggies on the offensive end, entering the matchup averaging 16.5 points per game – seventh-best in Conference USA. Jones has also provided strong all-around production with 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game, all ranking second on the team.  

• In their last outing against Abilene Christian, Jones extended his double-figure scoring streak to eight straight games, finishing with another steady all-around performance that included 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. 

SECOND UNIT SURGE  

• NM State has been one of the nation's most productive teams off the bench this season, ranking 41st nationally with 33.6 bench points per game.  

• Against South Alabama, the Aggies posted their most explosive bench performance of the year with 49 bench points. Leading the effort were Jayland Randall, who poured in 21 points, and Elijah Elliott, who added 18 points off the bench. 

DEFENSIVE DISRUPTION  

• NM State remains one of the nation's stingiest defensive units. The Aggies enter the matchup ranked 18th in three-point percentage defense (27.2%), 28th nationally in field-goal percentage defense (38.6%) and 37th in scoring defense (65.9 ppg).  

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCES  

• NM State saw major lifts from its reserve unit in the matchup with South Alabama, highlighted by standout efforts from Jayland Randall and Elijah Elliott. Both guards delivered their most impactful outings of the season, with each setting season highs – and even career marks in key categories.  

• Randall led all Aggies with 21 points off the bench, notching his highest scoring output in the Crimson & White and finishing just three points shy of his career best of 24.  

• Elliott also put together his top scoring performance as an Aggie, closing the night with 18 points and three assists. He caught fire from deep, going 6-12 from three-point range to establish a new career high in made threes in a single game. 

SCOUTING THE GOLDEN HURRICANE 

• Tulsa enters Friday's matchup under the direction of fourth-year head coach Eric Konkol. The Golden Hurricane come in riding momentum after a 117-84 home win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, improving their record to 9-1 on the year. 

• NM State will face its highest-ranked NET opponent to date, as Tulsa currently sits at No. 46 nationally. The next closest NET-ranked foe the Aggies have met is rival New Mexico (No. 58), whom NM State defeated 76-68 earlier this season in Las Cruces. 

• Offensively, Tulsa boasts one of the most explosive attacks in college basketball, ranking 17th in the nation in scoring offense at 90.7 points per game. Senior guard Miles Barnstable leads the Golden Hurricane with 14.6 points per contest, providing steady perimeter production. 

• On the glass, Tulsa relies on a balanced effort, with five players averaging at least four rebounds per game. Leading that committee is David Green, who paces the squad at 4.8 boards per outing. 

For complete coverage of the 2025-26 season NM State Men's Basketball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateMBB), Instagram (@NMStateMBB), and like us on Facebook (NMStateMBB).  

  

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