STEPHENVILLE – New Mexico State showed why they were the preseason conference favorites and three-time defending WAC Champions in a 78-51 victory over Tarleton on Friday in Wisdom Gym.
 
The Texans struggled from the outside, shooting only 17 percent on 3-point shots (3-17) while the Aggies shot lights out from deep, connecting on 59 percent of its attempts and going 13-22 from 3, which is a season high.
 
Shamir Bogues led the Texans in scoring with 14 minutes and five rebounds while Montre Gipson added 12 points as the only Texans in double figures.
 
Tarleton's defense kept the game close to open the game, as the Texans forced turnover after turnover and led 6-2 through the first four minutes. The Texans caused 18 New Mexico State turnovers, the most they've had all season. Gipson's layup cut the deficit to one at 17-16 midway through the first half, but New Mexico State drained a three on the ensuing possession and the momentum shifted with a 4-point lead.
 
The Aggies went 8-9 (89%) on 3-pointers in the first half and found open looks at the rim to shoot 70 percent overall in the first 20 minutes. The Aggies build a 10-point lead with 4:45 left in the first half and closed the final three minutes on a 10-0 run to lead 41-23 at halftime.
 
The lead grew to as much as 31 in the second half, but the Texans outscored the Aggies by seven in the final eight minutes of the game. New Mexico State upended Tarleton 37-28 in the second half.
 
Freddy Hicks led the Texans in rebounds with six and added seven points. Tahj Small and Javontae Hopkins each posted five points, while Shakur Daniel, Jonathan Jackson Jr., Konstantin Dotsenko and Joey Madimba added two points each.
 
Tarleton will look to bounce back in the series and home finale against New Mexico State on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in Wisdom Gym.