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ALBUQUERQUE — The Aggies had no answer to New Mexico's high-powered offense Tuesday in front of the Lobos' infamous home crowd in The Pit.
Utah State lost 99-86, which is the team's first loss since November 11, snapping a 15-game win streak.
"You've got to give New Mexico a lot of credit," Utah State head coach Danny Sprinkle said. "They kept us on our heels all game. … Their guards are so fast and quick … and their bigs pumped us. They scored 62 points in the paint."
New Mexico got out to a big start in the first half, with a 16-point lead at halftime. The Lobos' first half offense was certainly fueled, in part, by their intense defense. The Lobos forced eight steals, scored 18 points off turnovers, and tallied four blocks — in the first half alone.
The Aggies did, however, mount a comeback in the second half behind Ian Martinez' 14 straight points, cutting the Lobos' lead to single digits.
"It's a new twenty minutes," Martinez said of his mentality entering the second half. "Just come in and get the first punch."
New Mexico's Jaelen House, JT Toppin and Nelly Junior Joseph — all starters — each picked up their fourth foul in the second half and helped facilitate a Utah State comeback.
But it wasn't enough.
The Aggies simply couldn't stop the Lobos' offense, who finished shooting 57% from the field.
"I didn't feel like we disrupted (their offense) much," Sprinkle said. "They're talented, man; and in this building, when they get going like that and when they start making shots, it shows we have a lot of room for improvement."
New Mexico's defense was stalwart on the evening, as well, finishing with 12 steals and 10 blocks.
Joseph led the Lobos with 26 points and eight rebounds, and Donovan Dent added 15 points and 14 assists of his own for New Mexico.
Five Aggies players scored in double figures Tuesday, including Martinez (22), Mason Falslev (19), Great Osobor (15), Josh Uduje (13) and Darius Brown II (11). Notably, Falslev, a freshman, led the Aggies with nine rebounds.
Even with the loss, Utah State still leads the Mountain West with a 4-1 conference record. The Aggies are now 16-2 on the season.
"We're going to get back to work, learn from the experience, keep moving on," Martinez said. "We can't stay stuck too long in this moment."
