LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Nineteen months ago, the NM State men's basketball team exited the Pan American Center to the roar of a crowd that knew the Aggies were going to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament.
That same roar - one NM State yearned for after turning into one of college basketball's vagabonds through a 2020-21 campaign rife with frustration, traveling and no true home - was one the Aggies heard time and time against in their triumphant return to their home court.
Making use of an 11-3 run over the course of the final 5:08, the NM State men's basketball team made its long-awaited return to the Pan American Center a memorable one by taking down UC Irvine 62-51 Tuesday night.