2015 NCAA Tournament Preview: New Mexico State Aggies

The New Mexico State Aggies cruised through the WAC this year, making their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Resume:

Record – 23-10 (13-1 in WAC)

RPI – 107

Strength of Schedule – 230

Starting Lineup:

G Daniel Mullings (Sr.) – 12.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg

G Ian Baker (So.) – 9.5 ppg, 2.8 apg

F Remy Berry (Sr.) – 13.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg

F Pascal Siakam (Fr.) – 13.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg

C Tshilidzi Nephawe (Sr.) – 10.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg

Key Player:
Pascal Siakam

Siakam is just a freshman, but he's stepped in and has become the Aggies' most efficient offensive player. He shoots 57.7 percent from the field and has excellent footwork that allows him to finish around the basketball with ease.

Biggest Strength:

Balance

Six New Mexico State players average more than eight points per game, and 11 players average more than eight minutes per game. That balance allows them to score from anywhere on the court and keeps the defense guessing.

Biggest Weakness:

Ball Movement

The Aggies average just over 12 assists per game as a team, which ranks them just 217th in the country. They like to throw the ball in the post and let their big men work on the block, but that makes them easier to guard and causes unnecessary problems for their offense.

Outlook:

New Mexico State had a lot of success in the weak WAC, but struggled out of conference. Those struggles will continue in the NCAA Tournament.

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