New Mexico State Defeats Sam Houston 87-78 at Home
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · Pan American Center
New Mexico State Aggies 87, Sam Houston Bearkats 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Sam Houston Bearkats vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies beat Sam Houston Bearkats 87-78 at Pan American Center on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Sam Houston Bearkats vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at the Pan American Center, the New Mexico State Aggies secured a victory over the Sam Houston Bearkats with a final score of 87-78. This win comes at a crucial time for the Aggies, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this game. With this victory, New Mexico State improved its home record to 6-1, while Sam Houston fell to 4-4 in away games this season.
The Aggies entered the game with a record of 7-3, having averaged 73.9 points per game while allowing 69.0 points. Their recent form had been concerning, as they had lost their last three games, including a defeat to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane just a week prior, where they lost 70-83. In contrast, Sam Houston came into the game with a record of 7-4, riding a two-game winning streak and boasting an impressive scoring average of 86.2 points per game, while allowing 75.3 points.
In their previous meetings this season, the teams were evenly matched with a record of 1-1. New Mexico State had previously defeated Sam Houston 75-71 at home on January 3, 2025, but lost to them 69-76 in an away game on March 8, 2025. This game was significant as it not only served as a tiebreaker but also showcased the Aggies' ability to bounce back after a rough patch.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had New Mexico State favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 153.5. The odds reflected confidence in the Aggies' ability to perform well at home, despite their recent struggles. The conditions for the game were favorable, with a lively crowd supporting the home team, which likely contributed to their performance.
In the game, New Mexico State's scoring was highlighted by key plays in the second half. Notable moments included a 25-foot three-point jumper by Justin Begg, assisted by Po'Boigh King, which helped the Aggies maintain their lead. Elijah Elliott also made an important driving layup, and Damon Nicholas Jr. contributed with a tip-in layup. The Aggies' ability to convert free throws in the closing minutes, particularly by Anthony Wrzeszcz, solidified their lead and ensured the victory.
As the game progressed, New Mexico State's strategic plays and strong defense proved pivotal in overcoming the Bearkats' offensive efforts. Despite Sam Houston's high-scoring average, they struggled to keep pace with the Aggies, particularly in the second half when New Mexico State pulled away.
Overall, this game served as a much-needed boost for New Mexico State, reinforcing their competitive spirit and home-court advantage. The Aggies will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while Sam Houston will need to reassess their strategies to regain their winning form.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NMSU -5.5 | 153.5 o -110 / u -110 | Sam Houston Bearkats +180 · New Mexico State Aggies -218 |
Leaders
- PointsElijah Elliott18New Mexico State Aggies
- AssistsChris Terrell3New Mexico State Aggies
- ReboundsJulius Mims9New Mexico State Aggies
- PointsJustin Begg20Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsJacobe Coleman3Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsKashie Natt10Sam Houston Bearkats
Recent form
New Mexico State Aggies
Last 10: 6-4Streak L373.9 scored · 69 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L70-83vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 13
- L69-77at Abilene Christian WildcatsDec 6
- L75-77at South Alabama JaguarsDec 3
- W77-58vs Georgia State PanthersNov 26
- W57-45at UC Irvine AnteatersNov 26
- W81-72vs Samford BulldogsNov 22
- W76-68vs New Mexico LobosNov 16
- W74-58vs New Mexico Highlands CowboysNov 12
- W83-72vs Adams State GrizzliesNov 5
- L77-80at Kennesaw State OwlsMar 13
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W286.2 scored · 75.3 allowed per game4-3 away
- W85-75at Oregon State BeaversDec 18
- W82-70at Texas Southern TigersDec 6
- L83-93at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 3
- W94-68at Idaho VandalsNov 29
- W84-81at Idaho State BengalsNov 26
- W105-54vs Schreiner MountaineersNov 22
- W78-70vs Wyoming CowboysNov 20
- L79-85at Utah UtesNov 16
- L77-98at Texas Tech Red RaidersNov 8
- W95-59vs LeTourneau Yellow JacketsNov 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Sam Houston Bearkats | New Mexico State Aggies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-68 | 35-68 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 10-31 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 38 |
| Free throws | 18-26 | 8-11 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 28 |
| Assists | 8 | 13 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 38 |
| Fouls | 15 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 3 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-52Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half39-52Kashie Natt makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half39-54Julius Mims makes layup (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half42-54Justin Begg makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jacobe Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half44-54Po'Boigh King makes layup
- 2nd Half44-56Julius Mims makes layup (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half44-58Chris Terrell makes layup
- 2nd Half44-60Jayland Randall makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half44-62Chris Terrell makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-62Kashie Natt makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half46-64Jemel Jones makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half48-64Justin Begg makes layup
- 2nd Half48-66Elijah Elliott makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half50-66Justin Begg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-68Elijah Elliott makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-68Veljko Ilic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-68Justin Begg makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-69Julius Mims makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-69Po'Boigh King makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half57-70Julius Mims makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-71Julius Mims makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-73Cyr Malonga makes layup (Jayland Randall assists)
- 2nd Half57-76Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half60-76Justin Begg makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-76Isaiah Manning makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half62-79Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 23-foot three point jumper (JaeCoby Osborne assists)
- 2nd Half65-79Isaiah Manning makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half65-81Elijah Elliott makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-81Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-81Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-83Julius Mims makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Anthony Wrzeszcz assists)
- 2nd Half68-83Jacobe Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-83Justin Begg makes 25-foot three point jumper (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half71-85Elijah Elliott makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-85Damon Nicholas Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half74-85Justin Begg makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half75-85Justin Begg makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half75-86Anthony Wrzeszcz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-87Anthony Wrzeszcz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-87Po'Boigh King makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jacobe Coleman assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Mexico State Aggies, below favours Sam Houston Bearkats.
Venue
- Pan American CenterLas Cruces, NM
- Attendance4125
- OfficialsSteven Anderson, Kevin Mathis, Bharat Ramnanan
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