Clemson Basketball Opponent Analysis: New Mexico State

The Clemson basketball team will take on New Mexico State on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Here’s our analysis of the Aggies.

The Clemson basketball team will take on the New Mexico State Aggies on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Tigers are in the Midwest Region and, should they win, they will take on the winner of Auburn and College of Charleston in the second round.

The game Friday will be at 9:57 p.m. in San Diego.

Here’s our early analysis of New Mexico State.

Team Information:

Record: 28-5, first in WAC

Tournament Appearances: 23

Final Fours: 1

The Aggies have lost just five games the entire season. They pretty much have taken the WAC by its horns the entire season.

Statistical Leaders:

Points- Zach Lofton 19.8; Jemerrio Jones 11.0; A.J. Harris 9.6; Eli Chuha 8.4.

Assists- Jones 3.1

Rebounds- Jones 13.2; Lofton 5.1; Chuha 4.9.

Analysis:

The Aggies have several guys that can shoot the three-pointer and none of them are afraid to put up shots.

New Mexico State is led by senior Zach Lofton. Lofton is a guard who crashes the boards and is their clear No. 1 scoring threat. They will take a lot of shots and look to move the ball around. The Aggies have a couple of solid forwards in Jemerrio Jones and Eli Chuha, but nothing that I think can defend Eli Thomas down low.

Next: Analysis: Clemson looks to increase tempo in 2018

Overall, they’re a pretty solid team, but I think Clemson can take advantage of their man-to-man defense. If the Tigers move the ball around and play through the post, I think they’ll be able to frustrate New Mexico State and methodically take a lead.