SALT LAKE CITY – The Wolverines got an NCAA leading 23rd double-double from Fardaws Aimaq and used a scorching second half to knock off New Mexico State 72-68.
New Mexico State (9-2, 20-4) traveled to Orem where they faced the Utah Valley Wolverines (7-5, 16-8) on Saturday afternoon, February 12
It was hot shooting to go along with Aimaq’s double-double that carried Utah Valley on Saturday.
The Wolverines shot well in the first half, finishing at 42.3 percent from the field and 60 percent from deep. In the second half, Utah Valley improved to an incredible 55 percent while maintaining 60 percent from three.
The Aggies played well overall, limiting themselves to ten total turnovers while out-rebounding and out-assisting the Wolverines.
It was their first half shooting that held them back. It will always be difficult to overcome 25 percent shooting and going 1-9 from the three point line.
The Aggies never found their stroke from beyond the arc, finishing just 4-20 from deep for 20 percent.
Aimaq’s 23 and 12 led the Wolverines while Justin Harmon (17), Blaze Nield (14) and Connor Harding (10) all scored in double figures. Nield finished with six assists.
Teddy Allen exploded for 24 points to lead the Aggies. He also finished with 11 rebounds.
Utah Valley packs their bags as they travel to Stephenville, TX where they will take on the Tarleton State Texans at 6 p.m. (MDT) on Wednesday, February 16.