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New Mexico State (1-0) at UTEP (0-1) – 9:00 PM ET (C-USA TV)
While some of the Hoops HD staff hate the Back Range, we are a fan of rivalries, whether real or imagined, and the Battle for I-10 does have a long history behind it. The Silver Spade Trophy and the Mayor’s Cup are at stake, and both teams have Final Four history. UTEP (who was known as Texas Western at their apex) won the 1966 NCAA Championship against Kentucky, and New Mexico State has a trip to the 1970 Final Four under their belts. As recently as 1992, both programs advanced to the Sweet 16 as well.
Tonight will be the Aggies’ first D1 opponent – they defeated New Mexico Highlands in their opener. UTEP on the other hand is coming off of a 72-57 loss at #12 Texas. Both teams will have revamped rosters from last season – New Mexico State only has two returning players from last season and UTEP has four. Tonight could also be the first home sellout for UTEP in 6 years; 9000 tickets have already been sold and less than a thousand remain.