LAS CRUCES, N.M. — In an exciting game on Monday night, New Mexico State triumphed over Southern Utah with a close score of 72-69, thanks in part to the stellar performance of Christian Cook, who led his team with 19 points.

Cook showcased his shooting skills, making 8 of 13 attempts from the field, which included 2 out of 4 from beyond the arc. The Aggies improved their record to 5 wins and 6 losses with this victory. Alongside Cook, Peter Filipovity had a strong outing, contributing 18 points, shooting 6 of 10 from the field, and a perfect 6 for 6 at the charity stripe, all while grabbing nine rebounds. Zawdie Jackson also played a key role, scoring 13 points.

On the opposing side, Dominique Ford topped the scoring for the Thunderbirds with 19 points. Brock Felder added valuable contributions of 14 points and seven rebounds, alongside making two steals and registering five blocks. Jamir Simpson provided further support with 12 points and four assists to help his team.

The game had its ups and downs, with Cook netting nine points in the first half. By halftime, New Mexico State had fallen behind narrowly at 33-32. However, the Aggies came out strong in the second half, embarking on a 15-2 run that allowed them to take control of the game, leading 47-35 with 15:53 to go. Jackson was instrumental in this surge, scoring 13 points after the break.

Overall, the match was a tight contest that showcased impressive performances from both teams, but ultimately it was New Mexico State that secured the victory.