NM State Aggies vs ASU Sundevils Women’s Basketball 12-18-19

I hate to do this, because this will make this post way too long, but I have to start by recapping three previous games.  Real life has intruded on me being able to write and post in a more timely manner. 

12-4-19 vs Western NM Mustangs

I missed going to this game.  I had the day scheduled off, but wasn’t able to take it.  Even if nothing had come up, I wasn’t sure about going to a game against a DII school.  However, with only three home games this month, I would have otherwise liked to have gone.

The game was on the WAC Digital Network, but it was only single-camera coverage with no radio or TV call.  Given that I was at work and busy that made keeping up with the game difficult.  Not to mention, I came into the game late in the first half.  The first thing I noticed was that they may have missed me there.  It was a terrible crowd, listed at 635.  The other thing I noticed was the score.  Gia Pack hit a three right before halftime to make it 31-28, otherwise the score would have been tied.

Coach Atkinson must have found, “New ways to motivate,” her team in the locker room.  Again, I was barely able to watch, but the Aggies pulled away in the second half.  The team forced a bunch of turnovers and scored off them.  The Aggies also went 49% in shooting, though most of the other stats close to even.  With under a minute left, Kaela Chavez with the Mustangs hit back-to-back three’s to get their bench charged up.  She went 3 for 3 for three’s for 11 points total.  The Aggies won 75-56.  Gia Pack led with 26 points, 18 of those in the second half, and went 4 of 5 shooting three’s.  Freshman Soufia Inoussa had 13, and Didi Echols had 10.  The Aggies took care of business here, though they had to play harder than they had probably anticipated.

12-7-19 vs Weber State Wildcats

I had tried to get my dad to go to see this Saturday afternoon game, but he just wasn’t interested.  I think the Weber State Men’s team is pretty good, but the Aggies beat their Women with a paddle, 77-47.  Gia Pack scored 18, and Amanda Soderqvist had 12.  Hopefully, these last two games have gotten the team’s confidence back up.  

12-16-19 at UNM Lobos

I listened to this game in Albuquerque over the radio.  It sounded like a good crowd at the Pit, and there were over 5000 there.  Since beating the Aggies here (11-17-19), the Lobos were on a losing streak.  They’d lost their first two conference games and lost to ASU, the Aggies’ next opponent this week, by 37.  For that game, they went 0-18 shooting three’s and were -32 in rebounds.  Two players had also left the team, including Najala Howell, the UTEP transfer.  No reasons were disclosed.  Don’t get overconfident with all this news though.

First Quarter

There were two clock issues to start the game.  Aggies picked up three quick fouls before anyone scored.  I guess they were trying to play more physical.  The Lobos started the scoring three minutes in.  The Aggies got their first score four minutes in.  Don’t let that slow start fool you.  The Aggies took their first timeout as the Lobos built up a 10-2 lead.  The quarter ended 21-6 Lobos.  They’d hit two three’s, while the Aggies had committed 6 turnovers.

Second Quarter

Gia Pack was hustling, even if the shooting wasn’t there, as she collected 5 rebounds to this point.  Jaedyn de la Cerda, who’d led the Lobos in scoring last time, was firing three’s here, but missing.  She seemed to be forcing it.  Adenike Aderinto found a seam and got two baskets down low.  Micayla Buckner got three baskets in the lane.  Aisia Robertson, the Lobos’ star who’s been injured since last season, was in and was looking good tonight.  44-20 Lobos at the half.  They had 8 three’s.  The Aggies had zero.

Third Quarter

During the half, there was some kind of Pow Wow show going on.  I feel a little cheated that I wasn’t able to watch this.  Gia had 7 rebounds, but 4 turnovers to this point.  Aaliyah Prince only had 2 points.  The third period was more of the same, though the Lobos came out fouling immediately for some reason.  Jordan Hosey suddenly picked up 3 fouls.  78-47 Lobos.

Fourth Quarter

Coach Atkinson lost two arguments with the officials on back-to-back calls.  She was still fighting for the team, but it’s hard for the opposition to get calls in the Pit.  The Lobos emptied their short bench late.  Jaedyn missed a layup off a great assist and the crowd groaned, but she did hit a three to put the Lobos up over 100.  107-53 Lobos was the final.

At 54 points, this was the biggest margin of victory in the rivalry series and was the Lobo’s sixth straight win.  Five Lobos finished in double figures.  Jaedyn de la Cerda had 16.  Gia Pack had 18 points, but had 7 turnovers.  The Lobos dominated with 41 fast break points to 2, 23 turnovers to 8, and 17 three’s to 1.  Amanda Sodersqvist had the one.  She seemed to be having a hard time shooting and was way off on most of her attempts.  The Aggies were +4 in rebounds. 

12-18-19 vs ASU Sundevils 

I really narratively needed to preface today’s game with that Lobo game.  Given the Aggies would be playing the team that just crushed the team that had just crushed them, I was apprehensive, but actually somewhat giddy.  There’s always the possibility of seeing something historical, even if it’s historically bad.  Moreover, I was just happy to be able to get out and see a game after missing the last two (and the Volleyball Watch party). 

Ron was joining me.  I’d hoped dad would want to come, but he begged off again.  Maybe next time.  I can’t entirely blame him.  Both me and Ron were getting over nasty colds.  This was actually the first day since last week I was feeling more-or-less okay.  Ron had been to the doctor, but was still suffering from coughing fits. 

I’d been warned that this was Kid’s Day for this 11:00am weekday game.  I think it somewhat coincided with the last day of school before Christmas break.  There was a row of school busses already lined up in the Pan-Am parking lot when we got there.  We could see and hear a multitude of children before we even made it inside.  We ran into Aggie Marketing Director Nicole just inside the door.  She warned us which side the kids would be sitting on.

A bunch of kids were lined up in the concourse for some kind of giveaway at a table.  There was a costumed mascot there that I couldn’t identify, maybe it was the official city of Las Cruces mascot, since they were sponsoring today’s event.  Someone handed us coupons for Sonic.  Over at the courtesy table, there was an attractive Toys for Tots Santa poster.  I didn’t pick it up, since there was only one left and I hadn’t brought a toy.  (I came unprepared.)  Inside the arena, the kids filled one side and one end.  The official attendance was 1,600, but it seemed like a lot more.  It was 40 minutes before the game, nobody was on court, but the kids were chanting, “Let’s go Aggies!”  For the most part, there was a continuous roar from the kids for the whole game.

Ron and I sat behind the visitor’s bench.  ASU did bring a nice knot of fans with them.  I’d never been on this side before.  It was a different perspective.  Other regulars were sitting around us.  Down below, ASU brought their own radio broadcaster.  Next to him was a very pretty blonde, who seemed like either a production assistant or an assistant coach.  PA Ed consulted with her briefly, probably on how to pronounce their players’ names.  The glamorous Aggie marketing intern Emerson was also working with Ed.  No matter how bad the game got, at least watching Emerson was entertaining (except when that tall ASU fan woman below us kept obscuring my view of her).

Next to our section, the Roadrunner Revue band was depleted down to the level of a Salvation Army band.  Were the rest on break, or would the full band be there for the Men’s game tonight?  What they lacked in number, they did make up for it in energy.  The Cheerleaders and Pistol Pete were there.  Two Cheerleaders actually went to the visitors to ask for contributions for their raffle, where you could win a trip to the WAC Tournament.  They’re brave, but maybe not great marketers. 

Aggie fan Danny told us that the Sundevils were ranked #18 in the nation, though they were only fourth in their PAC-12 conference.  He also pointed out that one of their girls, Taya Hanson, was from the same Canadian town as our own beautiful volleyball goddess, Megan Hart.  Then there’s that other player that was built a whole lot like a well-built dude, Ja’tavia Tapley.  Kinda intimidating.  Am I being insulting or am I impressed?  Honestly, I’m not sure.  Apparently, she used to play for our former coach, Mark Trakh, at USC.   

The Aggies seemed to be aware of what they were facing.  When they came out on court, they seemed nervous and tight in warm up, even with the kids there.  Broadcaster Adam Young, who was doing TV today, walked by and waved.  Even he looked particularly grim.  (Or maybe it was because he’d be working with a huge pack of howling children directly behind him.)  Coach Atkinson came out in a black sweater, tight black pants, and spiked crimson boots.  She’s always fashionable.  

First Quarter

I only missed counting one basket today, but I’m still disappointed in myself.  If the final score had been closer to what I thought it was going to be, I’m pretty sure I might have abandoned the scorecard altogether at some point.  Across the court from us, the kids went crazy doing a countdown right before the Anthem.  With that, we were underway. 

The Aggies scored first on a Didi Echols’ jumper, though that was after two misses on the possession.  Ron’s comment was, “This is probably going to be their only lead of the game.”  Gia Pack hit an early three, as both teams played up-tempo.  It was 9-7 Aggies at the first break about five minutes in.  Thereafter, the Aggies had trouble scoring.  Micayla Buckner missed a couple of close shots.  Gia broke up five straight dry trips down court with a jumper, as ASU had taken the lead for the quarter, 14-11.

Second Quarter

Dino Dash!  I’m not sure if it was two kids in the T-Rex suits.  I couldn’t see any faces in the neck windows.  There was also an Aggie hat toss into the crowd.  In the ASU section, there were, what I’m guessing, three young men and their dad, possibly there to watch a sister playing.  A couple of the guys got up and ran out of the visiting section to go yell for a hat.  They succeeded and seemed to be impressed with it.  I’ve seen this at softball with some visiting parents collecting their opponents’ giveaways.   

An Aggie turnover and an ASU layup started the quarter.  The Sundevils seemed to really turn up the defense.  They forced a shot clock violation on the Aggies’ next trip.  Then they got a turnover at midcourt.  Amanda Sodersqvist took an unconfident shot the next time down.  There were two more Aggies misses on the next trip.  By this point, it was 20-11 ASU, four minutes in.  For some reason, the ASU coach was irate and called a timeout.  Your team was making shots and holding the other team scoreless.  I’m not sure what the problem was. 

A new break feature was introduced, Bongo Cam.  A bongo graphic was put on the video screens.  Fans, the kids, were encouraged to beat those drums.  Imagine an entire grandstand full of kids playing air-bongos across from you.  It was majestic.  The Aggies took their own timeout at 25-11 with four minutes left.  Hmm.  Ah.  If you haven’t noticed, the Aggies still hadn’t scored this quarter. 

PA Ed was starting to sound rather mechanical and uninvolved in the game.  I presume he was going to be doing the Men’s game tonight.  No sense in straining the voice for a lost cause.  Thank you, Adrianna Henderson.  With 1:30 left, she made a layup to keep the Aggies from being kept scoreless for over ten minutes.  They ended up with 4 points for the quarter.  Credit ASU’s defense, but the Aggies did miss several open looks.  32-15 Sundevils at the half.  Even the kids were a bit quiet for this quarter.

Halftime

I’d noticed some little girl cheerleaders with the kids.  They came down and perform for the half.  There was a giveaway toss into the crowd of Aggie Men’s Basketball replica WAC Championship rings.  Yes, the ASU brothers ran over and started shouting, “New Mexico State!”  They got one.  It helped that they weren’t wearing Sundevil gear.   

Third Quarter

We were finally sitting nearby Aggie super fan, Tom.  I noticed he had on a “5-Pete” Aggie Women’s Basketball championship shirt.  I was only wearing a “3-Pete” t-shirt.  Adenike Aderinto forced a Sundevil turnover to start the third, but the Aggies turned it over twice right after.  Timeout Aggies.  It was 37-15 at the 9:00 mark.  Baby Shark played on the PA.  Once again, there was an entire grandstand of kids doing the dance.

Back to play, Taya accidentally ran into a little boy with glasses seated by the goal, as she was trying to save a ball.  She made sure he was okay after she got up.  She seemed genuinely concerned, but the kid seemed unfazed by the event.  During the next break, we had another new feature, Fortnite Cam.  The children were all issued firearms and encouraged to shoot at one anoth . . . Or, they just encouraged to do the victory dances from the game.  The ASU brothers were posing.  One little boy was really working the floss and got a big cheer from the crowd. 

Back in play again, Gia made a great down court pass to Micayla under the basket.  She inexplicably tried to throw it back to Gia and turned it over.  There was another bad Aggie pass directly into the sideline signage.  AD Mario Moccia collected another loose ball sitting on the sidelines at the other end of the court.  Tayelin Grays was fouled and missed two free throws.  Meanwhile, Reili Richardson for ASU hit the rim on a shot.  It bounced straight up and went into the basket for a three.  It was that kind of game.  53-21 ASU.  The Aggies followed up their 4-point quarter with a 6-point one.

Fourth Quarter

The Hamburger-Making contest, which usually happens at football games, was brought out on court with the same amusing results.  It was serious though.  The teachers that were playing for competing for free Whataburgers for their whole schools.  Wow, what a generous prize!  With a musical cue, the entire kids section did the Macarena afterward.

Didi made a three to start the fourth, but the officials waved it off on a foul by ASU.  Man, the girls can’t catch a break today.  Or can they?  Another official reversed it, counted the basket, and gave the Aggies back the ball.  Okay.  We’ll take it.  From here, the Aggies finally started putting it in.  Aaliyah Prince hit a jumper.  Nike got a steal that led to a Soufia Inoussa layup.  The Aggie defense stiffed the Sundevils on the return.  Gia got a fast break layup.  Timeout ASU at 53-30, seven minutes left. 

After the break, the Aggies forced a turnover.  Gia got another layup and drew a foul.  The Aggies were stout on defense again.  Gia got another layup.  During a break, the kids did the dance for YMCA.  (That song is from the 70’s.  Where did they ever hear it before?)  Gia came up with a three out of the break.  Prince hit a jumper.  This really got the kids into it.  They were paying attention.

I noticed Marketing Nicole talking to some guys sitting higher up.  I think it was some players from the Men’s team, but I didn’t recognize who they were.  They were probably watching Ja’tavia and wondering how she’d match up with them.  Ron reported that Coach Jordan of the Volleyball team was sitting at the top of one of the grandstands, but I never noticed him. 

Prince hit another jumper.  Micayla fouled out.  As a nearby fan pointed out, she had five fouls with zero points.  Didi hit a jumper.  Freshman Shania Harper finally came into the game.  I was wondering where she was.  ASU had some free throws at the end.  The kids started pounding on their seats to disrupt the shots.  ASU tried to dribble it out to end the game.  Didi made an absurd flop attempt in front of the player to try and draw foul.  Nice effort.  Gia put in another three right before the end.  70-47 ASU was the final.

I’ll admit it.  I was expecting another 100-point game for the opposition.  Keeping the Sundevils under that total was something of a victory.  Let me give some credit to the Aggie defense.  They were making ASU work for their points.  Aggie shooting however, was terrible for two quarters of the game.  Ron thought ASU was just playing their bench in the fourth quarter, but the scoring actually doesn’t bear that out.  I’m not sure what got the Aggies going.  The game was more up tempo. 

The ASU coach was a lot less uptight at the end.  I’m sure she didn’t tell her team to back off, but might not have told them to play harder.  By the end of the third, the game wasn’t really in doubt.  In the first quarter, ASU played like they had just rolled off their bus and asked, “Who are we playing?”  They didn’t entirely seem like they’d prepared well for the game and were just looking to out-talent the Aggies.

Gia Pack led all scorers with 20 points and 10 rebounds.  Aaliyah Prince came in with 10 points, but really needs to start shooting more.  Give it up for Didi Echols.  She got 9 points and really hustled for the whole game.  Your takeaway stats for the game are 21-7 in points off of turnovers and 31-4 in bench scoring, all for ASU.  The Aggies aren’t taking care of the ball, aren’t making shots, and have no bench.

I don’t know if I should have been surprised by this, but there were autographs afterward.  I don’t know if it was a good or bad thing to do this after a bad loss and when several hundred kids would be going down for them.  We’ll call it bad for the players’ fingers and wrists, but probably good for their psyches to smile and chat with some kids. 

While I sort of wanted to give the girls some support today too, Ron was hungry and wasn’t going to put up with waiting around for another half hour or more.  We had a great lunch at Raising Canes.  I’d forgotten that the last time we went there (after the Lobo game), they were closed to clean up a mess.  It’d been a while.  This has been a disappointing season so far, but a weekday afternoon matinee game was kind of a cool way to spend a couple of hours, regardless of the result.  I’m okay with having a bunch of enthusiastic kids out for every game too.