New Mexico State Basketball: 3 reasons why Aggies will beat Auburn in Round of 64
By Connor Hope
Experience Counts in March
When looking at teams that are built to upset higher seeded teams, experience is always a key factor. Players who have more experience being in tough situations are better equipped to maintain their composure, stick to the game plan, and play smart. The Aggies have plenty of those players.
This experience all starts with Eli Chuha, who is in his fourth season with the Aggies, and his third season in the NCAA Tournament. The first two appearances did not end positively, but Chuha now knows what it will take to win a game or two.
Unlike Chuha, AJ Harris and JoJo Zamora bring their unique experiences as transfers from high-major programs. Zamora, a Utah transfer, and Harris, who plays one season for Ohio State, have the hands on experience playing against the level of athlete that Auburn will have on the floor.
On top of these three players, New Mexico State has a handful of mid-major and non-DI transfers, all of whom have played multiple years of basketball at the collegiate level. None of these transfers have made as much of an impact as San Jose State transfer Terrell Brown. Brown has been incredibly efficient for the Aggies, leading the team in scoring and three-point shooting.
All this experience will certainly help the Aggies withstand the initial punch that Auburn will try to inflict on them, and keep them in the game for a full 40 minutes.