NM State Aggies vs ENM Greyhounds Women's Basketball 12-29-25

 

Happy New Year (in a couple of days)!    It’s been lovely here over Christmas week and dad and I got stuffed at a neighbor’s house for the holiday.    Otherwise, it’s been pretty subdued and just watching Football.   

Aggie Men’s Basketball began conference play with a big win over Sam Houston, 87-78.    They led all the way having a 20-point lead at one point.    Four Aggie players were in double digits led by Elijah Elliot with 18 points.    The key stat was 38 points in the paint for the Aggies.    Coach Hooten over the moon happy afterward from beating his old school.    (I listened to the game, but wasn’t taking any notes.)

On Sunday, the guys were playing a tune up match against the University of the Southwest.    A couple of the players were inactive from being sick, but probably weren’t very concerned about the outcome of the game.    Almost right the start, the team was putting on a Harlem Globetrotter show.    Juice Mims made 360-degree dunk among others doing acrobatic dunks.    The Coach was okay with it, as the guys were playing hard on defense.    It was 52-17 Aggies at the half.

The Aggies only added on.    Late in the half, a couple of players came in off from deep off bench, Amarco Doyle and Christian Villegas.    The crowd totally woke up cheering for them to score, which they both did. Villegas is from El Paso and brought a good cheering section.    They went off when he finally got a free throw after several misses and then they erupted on a made 3.   

The final was 104-33 Aggies.    Five Aggies were in double figures, including Mims with 17 and Jemel Jones with 19.    I called dad and told him the score.    He said, “What did you say?”    He heard me; he just couldn’t believe it.    This game almost set a record for a low for an opposing team, but for a 3 at the buzzer by USW.    (Someone shouted at the Aggie bench about the record.    The other team must have heard it.)

   

In other news, Aggie Sports announced that they’re leaving Underarmor for uniforms and going back to Addis.    I’m not sure if that’s a step forward or back.    I must remind myself to be on the lookout for a “Yard Sale,” as they’ll probably be selling off their current uniforms to the public.    I missed the last sale and I’m still kicking myself.    (I’d like a Football jersey.)

In more serious news, I got this letter from AD Fields.    NMSU is ending their NIL Collective and the Aggie Athletic Club will also be “Transitioning.”    I’m not sure what this means.    I don’t know if anybody outside the decision-makers knows what this means.    On the face of it, these don’t sound like changes that are going to increase funding for the Athletic Department.   

Finally, we get to recapping for the Aggie Women’s Basketball team.    They lost on the road to St Mary’s, 70-59.    Imani Warren had 16 points, Loes Rozing had 11, and Morane Dossou had a great game with 15 points and 17 rebounds.

In contrast to the preceding week, today was cold and wet.    It wasn’t terrible, but it was depressing.    I did nothing during the day.    Arriving at the Pan-Am Center, I was offered another Aggie flag, which I again declined.    (I’d have a heck of collection at this point if I’d been taking them.)    I ran into a couple of guys in the concourse who asked me where the General Admission section was.    (It’s basically anywhere except the Booster Section.)    One of the guys was blind and being led around.    I hope he enjoyed the game and that his friend was keeping him updated on the score.

I didn’t have any trouble picking them out in the crowd later.    There were only 322 there.    There was one person sitting in the suites.    For a 5:00pm Monday game a couple of days before New Years, I doubt anybody was expecting a big crowd.    Eastern New Mexico was out on court practicing.    One of the trainers had spectacular, flaxen, long blonde hair.    She turned around and turned out to be black.    There was another black player with long, bright crimson hair.    There were a couple of pretty blonde White girls on the team.    A coach had shiny gold sneakers and a player had bright green shoes.    The girls were upbeat and happy to be here.

The Anthem started a little early and caught ENM on court.    They had to run off to avoid standing for it.    A guy behind me was yelling, “Where are the Aggies!?”    “Where” indeed?    Mrs. Hubbard stood for the Anthem with her walker.    She went to her seat followed by a young woman holding a bouquet of roses.    I suddenly remembered it was Senior Day tonight and the roses were for the players.    The Aggies came out wearing Senior Day shirts.    Coach Adams was dressed for the weather with a big fur-collared jacket.    (It was cold in the arena, too.)    The Band was not present, but the Cheerleaders were, along with a late-arriving Pistol Pete, who didn’t look happy to be here.      

First Quarter

I missed one basket on the scorecard, but I found it on my notes, so it’s cool.    Before starting, I should mention something that I only noticed later in game.    From the program, the Aggies were 3-8.    The Greyhounds were 7-4 and 3-0 in conference.    Keep this in mind.    They’re also fairly international with players from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Croatia, and Moscow.    They even had their own radio announcer with them covering the game, which most visiting teams do not.    He was in a shirt and tie and looked rather dignified.

ENM began the scoring with a 3 by Toyah Montgomery.    The first three Aggie possessions resulted in turnovers.    I could hear an assistant coach on the bench yelling at the players from across the court.    The Greyhounds made 3 offensive rebounds on their next possession, but only came away with foul shots, which were both missed.    Lucia Yenes was fouled and converted 1 of 2 for the Aggies’ first point.   

The Aggies started a full court press.    Lucia stole the ball from a fallen player, but on the fast break, Loes Rozing was blocked on her shot by Montgomery.    Anna Csenyi put down a 3 to make it 4-3 Aggies with 5’ left in the quarter.    It was looking like a soccer score for half of the quarter.    The fans next to me were grumbling.

Morane Dossou took a jump shot and nearly put the ball over the unit.    Greyhound Jaz Salon was called for blocking on Imani Warren coming into the lane.    Jaz was giving up 7” in height on the play.    Imani made both foul shots.    During a timeout, it was announced that it was Coach Adams’ birthday.    I noticed she was sitting on the bench for the game and her associate head coach was on the floor directing the team.    I suspect she was getting over an illness and trying not to exert herself.    I wonder if that was a new coat for her birthday?

WNM again got 3 offensive rebounds on a possession, but no points.    Lucia did make a basket and Emma Christiano came in to a round of applause from the crowd.    Deavion Wilson and Senoj Jones were also in.    Those two connected for a steal and a layup respectively.    Emma made a steal.    Imani shot a bad airball with the shot clock running down.    (There was no shame in that tonight.    I didn’t bother counting the number of bad shots I saw.)    Imani was then fouled, but missed both shots.

Senoj guarded the heck out of a Greyhound with the ball and forced a 5-second violation.    Lucia Lara had the ball on a fast break, but was called for a charge going into the lane.    Aaliyah Smith on ENM came back with layup.    Senoj came back with a layup off an inbounds from Emma.    She also drew a foul, but missed the shot.    Emma got another steal, made a behind the back dribble, and passed to Deavion, who airballed the shot.    It was 12-5 Aggies after 10 embarrassing minutes of basketball.    ENM only made 2 shots in the quarter.

   

Second Quarter

Tatiana Platonova began the quarter with a reverse layup for ENM.    The Aggies just had a couple of misses.    Emma tied up Platonova and got the ball.    After, there were three players laying out on the court going for a loose ball.    ENM got it.    They missed their shot, but the Aggies took 2 fouls on the possession.    Julieta Ceja broke another scoring drought by both teams with a layup for ENM.    (Also, rather attractive.)   

Platonova took a charge from Morane.    Marta Guilera came in for the Aggies.    She cleaned up the mess on an Aggie possession with a layup and a foul, but missed the free throw.    Imani made a steal and a resulting layup, but PA Ed miss-called the play crediting another player.    Everyone was having a rough night.    Senoj made a jumper and Jaz answered with a layup.    18-11 Aggies 4’ left in the half.    Immani made a contested layup.    Smith put in a 3.    Emma won another tie up.    Finally, Platonova had a layup.    It was 20-16 Aggies at the half.    I don’t think anyone other than ENM was expecting it to be this close.

Third Quarter

There was no halftime show or any other activity.    I noticed that Wave the Wonder Dog was here.    Unfortunately, I wasn’t anywhere near him.    Lots of misses started the second half.    That’s easy to recap.    Imani was fouled and fell directly on her rear.    Ouch!    She made her 2 free throws.    Her and Montgomery her going at it, but it didn’t get too physical.

Lucia made a layup and Julieta answered with a 3.    24-19 Aggies with 7’ left.    Lucia had a steal and ENM took a timeout.    Pistol Pete came by.    He signed a couple of flags for a couple of little girls.    I got a fist bump from him.    He seemed to be in a better mood.   

An ENM full court press caused an Aggie turnover and Smith made a layup.    26-21 Aggies with 4’ left.    Emma made a jumper and Jaz made a layup.    Let’s hear it for short girls on the court!    ENM had a steal and Martrice Brooks made a layup to make it, 28-25 Aggies with 2’ left.    Timeout Aggies.

After an Aggie turnover, Mekhila Brown was fouled and made 1 free throw.    Jaz made another layup to tie it up at 28 with 1’ left.    Senoj was fouled and made both free throws.    Emma took a charge in the lane.    On the other end, Nikki Stanic went to the basket and was blocked.    Emma tipped the ball on the rebound and it went under the stands.    The refs had to get a new ball.    It was 30-28 Aggies after three quarters.   

Fourth Quarter

Shay Moseberry began the quarter with a 3 to finally put the Greyhounds in the lead, 30-31.    Loes answered with a 3 to put the Aggies back up, 33-31 with 8’ left.    ENM missed their next two 3’s.    Their coach face-palmed on the sideline.   

Imani went in for a layup that was good, but was waved off on a foul.    Emma huddled the team on court and seemed to be telling them to Think, as she pointed at her head.    Jaz then buried a 3.    It was 33-37 ENM.    Their bench was standing and cheering.    Timeout Aggies.    Wave was put on camera with his big sad eyes.    Please win.

Imani made a jumper and was fouled.    She then made a steal, but missed the shot.    2’ left and ENM was nursing a 2-point lead.    They had two empty possessions where they used up all of the shot clock.    The Aggies took a timeout.    They had two offensive rebounds on their next possession, but got no points.    With 26 seconds left, the Aggies began intentionally fouling.    Jaz made 1 of 2 for a 35-38 lead.    Timeout Aggies for a final possession.    The ball passed around a couple of players as the seconds ticked away.    Finally, Morane got the ball beyond the arc and took a last second shot . . . and drained it!    We were tied at 38 and going to OT.

I’m sure they didn’t draw up that play for Morane.    I hadn’t remembered her taking a 3 this season and, indeed, the stats on program listed her as 0-1 this season on 3’s.    Certainly, they didn’t want her taking it falling backward with a defender in her face with less than a second on the clock.    That was clutch.

Overtime

Imani came out with a layup and a foul, but missed the free throw.    Morane poked the ball away on defense and Lucia made a layup.    Morane had a layup, but Moseberry hit a 3.    The Aggies were up, 44-43 with 2’ left.   

Imani made a bunny for 2, but missed the free throw with the foul.    Lucia made a steal and was fouled on her drive.    PA Ed was starting to lose his voice, as Lucia made both throws.    Lucia had another steal and Imani was fouled on the fast break.    She made both throws this time.    50-43 Aggies with 1’ left.    Now ENM was intentionally fouling.    Brown had a steal and a layup to get ENM within 5.    Imani made another couple of free throws.    Platonova made a 3 at the end, but the Aggies win it, 52-48.   

I did not think this game would get to 100 total points.    I admit to feeling bad for Eastern New Mexico.    They probably deserved to win with as bad the Aggies were playing against a DII opponent.    Good for the Aggies though, to not give up and to pull it out.    The fans next to me were going after the Aggies for low energy for most of the game.    I almost wonder if most of the team was getting over an illness like the coach.   

Moscow-ite Tatiana Platonova and 5’3” Aussie Jaz Salon led the Greyhounds with 10 points each.    Platonova also had 7 rebounds.    ENM shot 30%.    They were 2 of 8 on free throws.    (Two made free throws for an entire game with overtime.) They had 22 points in the paint, but made a shift to shooting more 3’s late, which got them the lead. 29 turnovers might have done them in.

Imani Warren paced the Aggies with 18 points.    Morane Dossou had 7 points and 16 rebounds and got to be the hero.    (Emma Christiano had 2 points and 5 steals.    Go Emma!)    The Aggies shot 28% and were 3 of 15 on 3’s.    (Good thing this game didn’t turn into a 3-point shooting contest.) They were 13 of 23 on free throws.    Wow!    The stats are brutal.    How did the Aggies win this?    They had 30 points in the paint, 16 points off turnovers, and 18 fast break points.    The official recap made a big deal that the Aggies had 50 rebounds.    That’s impressive, except ENM had 49.

Senior Ceremony

The game had run long and thankfully, there were only three Seniors on the team and the ceremony was quick.    I kinda needed to go to bathroom bad with the Pan-Am Center being about as cold as outside, so I appreciated that.   

When the team went around the sidelines shaking hands with fans, a little girl wearing a Loes t-shirt gave a note to Loes.    She seemed touched by it.    Loes Rozing was one of the seniors.    She was announced as the team captain.    Anna Csenyi was honored.    Lucia Yenes came out with her family.    I’d noticed them in the Booster Section and wondered who they were with.    They were having a good time during the game and were on camera a couple of times.    It was a nice-looking family with mom, brother, sister, and dad wearing a sportcoat.    Lucia was the longest tenured Aggie on the team.    Emma was a crybaby during the ceremony.    I don’t know if she’ll be able to make it through her senior ceremony next year.

More Aggie Basketball coming ***this weekend.*** 

Card Show: Christmas 2025 Part 2

I got a couple more cards over Christmas.

This was a card from a charity. 

Dad's former neighbors, Donna and Lou, had us over for delicious Christmas meal.

I gave these cups to a co-worker last year who's really good at crafts.  She gave them back to me for Christmas with enhancement.  I ended up giving them to Donna, who I'd bought a Christmas craft from the co-worker last year.  It seemed appropriate.  (I didn't have a place for them anyway and she has a bunch of holiday stuff on display.) 

 

Card Show: Christmas 2025

I got some pretty cards this year.

 

Card from a co-worker

Card from my Aunt Judy, which included a gift card from McAlisters. 

Check out the gnomes on the envelope.

A gnome card from my dad's neighbor.

And then there's these cards from September. I don't remember where these came from, 

but they were scanned so here they are.  You can't have too many cute gnome cards.

NM State Aggies vs UC Irvine Anteaters Women’s Basketball 12-16-25

 

So far for vacation, I went shopping with dad yesterday and washed and waxed my car in this morning before tonight’s Women’s Basketball game between the Aggies and UCI Anteaters. Honestly, it’s been tiring. I plan on being out getting the car serviced tomorrow afternoon and going to a party in the evening. I just want to relax. The same thing happened last month when I took a week off for Aggie Sports (11-11-25).

Yesterday, I did listen to the Aggie Coaches Show. Coach Hooten with the Men and Coach Adams with the Women both sounded depressed enough to merit a suicide watch. This was even with the Women being on a two-game winning streak. They’re both unhappy with their teams. I’d noticed the court seemed different going to that last game and found out that it’s a replacement floor. Once again, the main floor water damaged (8-21-21). They’re hoping to get it back before the end of the season.

A painting-quality orange sunset greeted me at the Pan-Am Center. Inside, I was greeted by former Aggie Volleyball player, Sydney McIntosh, working at the courtesy table. I’d come prepared tonight with a sock donation that they’d solicited for. She was pleased with me. She invited me to sign up for a Christmas ornament. The team had made ornaments to giveaway.

It was a lower crowd tonight at 344. Unfortunately this time, the opponent only brought a handful of fans, but they were entertaining. I’ll get to that later. Three of the suites were in use, compared to none last time. The big one was even full. The Band was not here, but half the Cheerleaders and Pistol Pete were. (The Hot Marketing Girl was present, but she looked like she didn’t want to get made up and dressed up today, so she only looked gorgeous.) Adam Young was back at the broadcaster’s table.

UCI came on court to warm up. As Coach Adams said yesterday, they looked big and well-built. Several were pretty, but intimidating. Their 9-2 record was also intimidating. An ROTC Color Guard was on court for the Anthem. The Anteaters lined up on court and locked arms together for it. The Aggies were in the locker room, as usual. An Aggie fan sitting below me was not pleased with this arrangement.

During introductions, they mentioned the UCI Coach, Tamara Inoue. That name sounded familiar. More on that later. The Aggies started their “big” lineup. There’s a pretty trainer on the team this season that I’d noticed before. She walked by on my side of the court before the game. Tonight, she looked rather glamorous. She was a distraction throughout the game.

First Quarter

The scorecard added up again on the first try. How lucky can I get? Behind the UCI bench was their small (three people) cheering section. I think this was the family of Ameerah Grant, judging by the shirts with her number on them. The mom was yelling up a storm for the whole game. Honestly, she was pretty entertaining. She was loud enough that the lack of a bigger crowd made it easy to hear her.

Imani Warren and Lucia Yenes got the scoring going. Anna Csenyi then made a steal on the Aggie end of the court that led to a layup by Lucia. It was physical game to start. Aggie big Morane Dossou collected two quick fouls and Marta Guilera came in for her. Lucia put in another jumper and Emma Christiano came in. Marta made a turnaround jumper in the lane. Jada Wynn for UCI put in a 3 to make it, 10-6 Aggies with 5’ left in the quarter.

Wynn put in another 3. Lucia put in her fourth basket. Emma fouled Grant, who got the bucket and made the free throw. It was tied at 12 with 4’ left. In a Media timeout, a middle school girls team was introduced in crowd. That helped attendance. Back to play, UCI went to a full court press. Marta made an offensive rebound on a miss by Imani. On a second miss, Marta also grabbed it, but fouled in the process, which put the Anteaters in the bonus.

Lucia scored her fifth basket of the quarter. Wynn got called for her second foul. She charged at the ref to complain. They did review the call and it stood. She came out of the game, still talking. Naomy Zonzon-Huyghe picked off a pass and went for a layup for the Anteaters. Emma got in her way (giving up six inches in height) and stopped her without fouling.

Lucia was fouled on the other end and converted on two free throws. She was up to 12 points. The teams traded turnovers. Lucia got the ball after the second one and made a jumper, but the refs blew it dead before the shot. This did not endear them to the crowd. Nikki Stanic came in. She missed a short shot and then missed a 3, but took a charge in the lane that got the bench up and cheering. Marta got a layup, but then got called for her second foul. This was again contested. It was 18-17 Aggies after 10 minutes of play.

Second Quarter

The refs were having an animated discussion on court during the break. They were probably talking about what a great game this was, except for the officiating. A little girl made a nice catch of a t-shirt from the court by a Cheerleader. For Simba Cam right after, she held up Mr. Floppsie. (Well, what else are you going to call a stuffed rabbit?)

Lucia came out and made her first shot of the quarter, however Lauryn Madsen answered with a 3. Lucia next got caught in mid-air indecisive about passing or shooting and ended up turning it over. UCI obligingly also turned it over with a bad pass. Imani came back with a bunny (a short jumper, not a stuffed one). The Aggies forced a turnover by the Aggie bench, but UCI was given the ball back. The bench went crazy in disapproval.

The UCI defense picked up tremendously. I think they were in a zone and seemingly any Aggie with the ball got instantly triple-teamed. Lucia was giving it back to them and accidently smacked a defender in the mouth over a loose ball. The Anteaters had gone up 26-30 with 4’ left. Timeout.

For the Bank-opoly game, the guy got the Roll Again result and then rolled Go to Jail. Everybody else I’ve seen play this game got at least $100. This guy got gypped. The City Middle School Girls Basketball champs were honored on court. Grant’s mom was put on camera during a musical interlude. She was embarrassed. Apparently, the broadcast producer was enjoying watching her, too.

Out of the break, the teams exchanged turnovers again. Lucia then put in another jumper. Wynn got called for a reach in. She jumped up and down before stomping off the court with her third foul. 5’4” Grant, meanwhile, took it down the lane and to the hole for a layup. Her mom was standing and shouting.

Madsen then hit another 3 and it was 28-36 UCI with 2’ left. Imani came back and forced her way to the basket for a layup. Shirel Nahum then hit another 3 for the Anteaters. Imani drew a foul for free throws, but then gave up a foul to put UCI in the bonus. The half ended with UCI up 32-41. Lucia had 19 points.

Halftime

Jack Nixon was again here taking in the game. He was at the scorer’s table studying a stat sheet. PA Ed Carnathan spent several minutes reading off the names of the winners of the players’ ornaments. I was not one of them. Hmph! Well, I’m only slightly bitter. I did spend my time looking up the UCI Coach, Tamara Inoue. She was an Aggie Assistant Coach back when I started coming out games (2015-16) and worked with some successful teams here. I thought that name was familiar.

Third Quarter

UCI forced a turnover to start the second half, but the Aggies forced a shot violation after. Loes Rozing hit a 3 for the Aggies, but Madsen answered right back with one for the Anteaters. Anna hit 3. There were some girls behind me that were fans of hers and they screamed over the shot.

Lucia was blocked on a shot, which led right to Madsen hitting another 3. Next possession, Lucia was knocked to the floor on a foul. She lay there for a minute and seemed exhausted. Grant then fouled Imani. Grant’s mom was incensed with the call. Little Emma took a charge in the lane and got a cheer from the bench.

All that said, the Aggies were still falling further behind, 40-53, with 4’ left. In the break, a really cute girl played the card flip game on court and lost. Have I seen anyone lose that game? Well, she can get by on her looks. Imani ran a layup when play resumed. Emma fought for a tie-up with a much bigger player. She’s a wolverine.

Imani made an interception of an inbounds. Hunter Hernandez hit a 3 for the Anteaters. Emma was fouled and made both of her shots for her first points. UCI then went over the foul limit. Morane made a couple of free throws. Hunter made another 3 before the end of the quarter. 48-63, UCI with a commanding lead.

Fourth Quarter

The Whataburger contest featured another very pretty girl with very long, dark hair, who had the same name as the previous girl (and they were both friends sitting together, which must get confusing). Finally, we had a fan winner tonight. Emma was again yelling at her teammates before play began to motivate them.

Summah Hanson came out and hit a 3 for UCI. Lucia missed her first two shots and was pulled out of the game. She was still on 19 points. Madsen had yet another 3 and Anna answered back with a 3. Timeout Aggies with down, 51-69, with 7’ left in the game. In the break, Grant was chatting with the head ref. I do wonder what the players and refs talk about, since this happens all the time. It might have been a conversation about her mom.

Grant came out the break with a 3, the sixth UCI player with a trey. Her mom was going nuts. Anna hit a pair of 3’s and her cheering section went off, but Wynn dropped in another 3. Lucia was back in and she hit 3 and finally went over 20. 60-79 UCI with 3’ left. Timeout.

Pistol Pete and one of the Cheerleaders probably needed a rest from running out to throw t-shirts for the 3’s. Fan Tom was on Flex Cam, which would be about as ridiculous as myself being on Flex Cam. Grant was fouled and went to nail. Her mom was shouting, “Do it! Do it!” UCI had their bench in, but Coach Inoue was probably afraid to take Grant out and face her mom’s wraith. Keira Hudson made a layup on a nice pass from Marta. Imani got a layup and drew a foul, but missed the FT. The Anteaters dribbled it out for the final seconds and won, 66-83.

The Anteaters had four players in double digits: Ameerah Grant 19, Jada Wynn 17, Lauryn Madsen 15, and Hunter Hernandez 13 with 7 rebounds. They shot 46%, 48% on 3’s (13 of 27), and 91% on free throws (22 of 24). The Aggies had three in double digits: Lucia Yenes 22 with 7 rebounds, Imani Warren 14 with 5 rebounds, and Anna Csenyi 12 on 4 3’s. The Aggies shot 43% and 40% on 3’s (that’s only 6 of 15 though). They had 28 points in the paint and 22 points off turnovers.

You could easily see the problem here tonight with the Aggies: they don’t have enough outside shooting. They’ve got some great inside players, but they can be shut down for stretches when there isn’t an outside shooting threat. The game was decided in one little stretch in the second quarter when the Aggies came up dry for a few minutes. It turned into a three-point shooting contest and it wasn’t even close.

Anna was knocking them down in what was essentially garbage time. She’s gotta do it earlier in the game, and they’ve got to get Nikki on track. I’m watching from the stands and can tell her shots are off when they leave her hands. She’s not seeing the basket correctly. If Nikki needs glasses, she’ll still look hot.

I went home and watched a performance of The Nutcracker on PBS’ Great Performances. Hey, I have some culture! It’s also a bit of a Christmas tradition for me. I prefer the 80’s movie with Maurice Sendak’s designs. This one was okay.

The next night, I went to the company party at Rad Retrocade. The food was great, but I only got to play two games of pinball before I had to leave to take a co-worker back. Rats! I could have stayed late, since I wasn’t going to have to go back to work tonight. (The co-worker also turned out to be allergic to the gift he got.) Regardless, I’ve been busy this week and will hopefully get the next couple of days to rest up.

NM State Aggies vs WNM Mustangs Women’s Basketball 12-14-25

 

I have to start this with a little anecdote. I was out shopping at the Downtown Mall and about to go into Zia Comics and surprisingly ran into Jack Nixon, former voice of the Aggies. He was petting someone’s dogs outside. I said, “Hello,” and asked why on earth he was there. (I didn’t actually phrase it like that.) Jack showed me a football card and said he was looking for a display stand for it. He’d come up empty at the store and asked for suggestions. I directed him to Michael’s and Hobby Lobby, which he hadn’t thought about. I showed him the book I’d just bought at Coas by local sports author and former coach, Russ Bradburd, Big Time. Jack said it was good. I should have asked him when he’s going to write his book.

Back to sports coverage, the Aggie Men’s Basketball team continued to come back down to earth and played 9-1 Tulsa on Saturday on the road. The Aggies were buried at the start and were down double digits for most of the game. It was probably a 20-point deficit at the worst. Late in the second half, the Aggie’s cut it down to 7 with Jayland Randall and Juice Mims making pivotal scores. However, they couldn’t get any closer and lost, 83-70. There was lengthy delay at one point, while the officials had to recheck the scoring. Mims, Jemel Jones, and Cyr Malonga all scored in double digits. The Aggies were 39% shooting, but the Golden Hurricane was 47% shooting and 44% on 3’s. They’re maybe the best team the Aggies will face this season.

The Women’s Basketball team, meanwhile, had had a rough road trip, but at least won their final game. They were back home and playing on a Sunday evening for some reason. I questioned the timing of this game, but a good crowd of 462 came out. Tonight’s opponent, Western New Mexico, brought quite a few fans. They have several players from the area on their team. The merch kiosk and the grill were open. The grill is usually only open for Men’s games and big games.

About half of the Roadrunner Revue Band was there, along with half the Cheerleaders (and Pistol Pete, of course). I’m not sure if the students are on break or not. (Thankfully, the Hot Marketing Girl was still here.) Adam Young was not there calling the game for TV. I didn’t recognize the person calling the game. It’s a mystery, since I’d recognize any of the normal replacements. The Band surprisingly didn’t play the Anthem.

Our dear Emma Christiano led the Aggies out on court. She was all smiles during the warmups running wind sprints. During the player introductions, they’d updated the video with the clip of Lucia Yenes doing the behind the back dribble and the behind the back pass from the Lobos game.

First Quarter

I made a real effort tonight and the scorecard added up correctly with no fudging. During the road trip, Morane Dossou had come on strong for the Aggies. She started the scoring with a quick basket on an inbounds. The Mustangs scored next and a big cheer went up from the crowd and their bench.

Imani Warren made a steal, taking down the player, and got a layup. Lucia made a turnaround jumper. Mustang Natalie Magallanes was fouled on a 3. She came to the nail and dropped in all three foul shots. It was 8-5 Aggies with 6 minutes left in the quarter.

Emma came in and that got a cheer from the crowd. (I think she has her own cheering section.) She came in with Keira Hudson. Coach Adams seems to like pairing up her two small guards. Emma got an assist with a give-and-go to Morane for a basket. After a foul, Keira was over talking to the Coach. Emma called her over before the second free throw. This is a change. Usually, Emma is talking to the Coach during breaks. It was 12-5 Aggies with 4 minutes left.

During a break, which featured Dance Cam, a puppy came up on camera. Ahh. I didn’t know you could bring pets in here tonight (except for Wave the Wonder Dog, of course). Back to the action, Emma got another assist with a bounce pass to Marta Guilera for a layup. She could do it shooting, too. Emma was left open and buried a 3. (I’m starting to sound like her proud dad bragging, here.) 17-6 Aggies with 2’ left.

The Aggies were already cycling in the back of the bench. On defense, Marta blocked a 3, but then picked up a second foul. Mustang Angelina Khalf got a pair of free throws. She made the first and missed the second, but an Aggie lane violation gave her another chance, which she converted on. Senoj Jones was in and made a leaping steal. Emma hit a last second jumper on the Aggies’ final possession, and it was 19-8 Aggies.

Second Quarter

The Cheerleaders ran up in the stands to hand out t-shirts. They’re working hard. Simba Cam was activated. Some people were holding up small cute dogs. Oh! I suddenly remembered there was going to be a Corgi dog race at halftime. Now, I was glad I came tonight.

WNM came out with some fierce defense and forced a shot clock violation on the Aggies’ first possession. Magallanes then got a steal and a layup. Yvanna Villareal, who is from Las Cruces, came in for the Mustangs. She got a big cheer. 5’3” Jordan Sapien charged the lane and drew a foul and splashed both shots for WNM.

5’3” Emma was taking charge of the Aggies and was yelling instructions to her much taller teammates. She made a pass to Lucia for a layup to make it, 25-12 Aggies with 6’ left in the half. Mustang Naomi Kimble was fouled and came to the line with impressively bling-y, though mismatched, shoes. Unfortunately, she also missed both free throws.

On defense, Loes Rozing made a steal and Lucia made a block. The Aggies were up 29-12 with 4’ left. Keira made a nice bounce pass to Marta for a layup, but WNM came back with a block by Ema Rose and a layup by Sapien. Emma made a steal for a fast break and Nikki Stanic made a 3. (This poor girl. She has really been cold so far this season, but hasn’t stopped trying. I want her to succeed, if for no other reason than because she’s pretty hot.)

There was a lady in the next section yelling. At one point, she yelled out, “Let her play, Coach!” I think she was with the WNM fans, but I don’t know which player she was referring to. On court, Keira made a steal and made a behind the back dribble and a layup. There’s one for the highlight reel. It was 38-26 Aggies at the half.

Halftime

Okay, here’s the reason why everyone is here, except for me, who didn’t remember. It’s the third annual Corgi Race on court. Jack Nixon was here. Once again, he was wearing a Chargers jersey. I got to see the back and it’s a Dan Fouts jersey. He was on court, but I’m not sure he got to greet the dogs though I’m sure he wanted to. (We all did.)

In the first heat of four, a routound Corgi named, Kevin Lord Humungous, won. (He was still darling.) In the second, one of the dogs got pointed in the wrong direction and a barking dog, Lume Zoomie, won. In the third heat, three of the dogs decided to take a meeting, letting the littlest dog win. For the final, the barker, Lume Zoomie, edged out Kevin Lord Humungous. What an event for the ages!

Third Quarter

Both teams came out firing to start the second half. Anna Csenyi dropped in a jumper. Loes dipped in a 3. Magallanes made a 3 and Sapien followed that with a 3 all for WNM. Lucia had a layup and it was 47-22 with 6’ left and timeout Mustangs.

Twist Cam featured the Band and Pete twisting. Back to play, Loes found Morane for a layup. Lucia got a loose ball and got it to Imani for a layup. Emma came in. She tried to talk the Coach into letting her in earlier, but was told to sit down. (That’s what it looked like.) Morane got a basket and a foul. She missed the FT, but Lucia got the rebound for a layup. 55-24 Aggies with 5’ left and timeout.

Bongo Cam and the Band started doing the Tomahawk Chop. I don’t get it, either. In play, Lucia got a steal. The Aggies got maybe three shots, but connect. Magallanes made another 3 for WNM. Emma made a behind the head pass under the basket to Lucia for a layup. 52-24 Aggies with 2’ left and timeout WNM. When they went back to play, the teams traded baskets. Sapien and Cadence Turnbow scored and the WNM bench exploded for them. 64-33 Aggies.

Fourth Quarter

An attendant came out on court to give the three refs cups of water, which were much appreciated. Starting the final 10 minutes, Keira got a WNM pass that went right to her. She got it to Senoj for a layup. Deavion Wilson was in for the Aggies. She intercepted a pass. Keira stole a Mustang inbounds. 67-33 Aggies with 7’ left in the game. Timeout WNM.

Suddenly, my pants were vibrating. I didn’t know I was that excited. Oh, it was my phone. It was an out-of-state friend calling. He’s called me before during a game. It’s just bad luck. With the Band playing, I couldn’t hear a word. I shouted at him that I’d call him back. He was calling from the Eastern Time Zone. I ended up keeping him up late with a long conversation after I got home. I apologized. Maybe I should have stepped out early to take the call.

Lucia Lara was in. She’d been in earlier and gotten taken out. With a second chance, she got a layup and a rebound. Deavion made a hard pass directly into the Aggie bench. That was a little too energetic. Mustang Alexandra Gonzales made a layup and their bench went wild. WNM also forced a shot clock violation on the Aggies. 69-38 Aggies with 3’ left and timeout.

Anna got a steal. The Aggies got three shots, but didn’t connect on the possession. Turnbow made a layup and Gonzales made a jumper. The WNM bench was cheering like it was a championship game. Lucia L. made three layups on the other end and Deavion had a steal. The game ended, 76-44 Aggies.

For the Mustangs, Natalie Magallanes and Jordan Sapien (all 5’3” of her) led the team with 11 points each. Props to their bench, they were indefatigable in cheering for the girls on the court. Everyone scored for the Aggies. Lucia Yenes led with 14 points. Morane Dossou had 10 points and 8 rebounds. Emma Christiano had 5 points and 6 assists. (I’m playing favorites giving her stats. Sue me.) Props to Lucia Lara, who had 8 points in about 7 minutes. The Aggies led in shooting percentage 52% to 27%, but WNM led in free throws 76% to 52%. The Aggies had 52 points in the paint, 22 fast break points, and 25 points off turnovers.

I admit, I kind wanted to just home and vegetate, but I was glad I went. Yes, more than the Corgi race, I did enjoy the game. WNM played hard and that made it interesting. The Aggies got a chance to show off a bit. Sapien went right to the stands to see her family after the game. Probably some other Mustangs did as well.

I’m on vacation this week, so I plan on going to the ladies’ next game on Tuesday.