Utah Valley vs. New Mexico StateGAME INFORMATION
TV: American Sports Network (locally on Altitude Sports)
Radio: ESPN 960 AM
VIdeo Webcast: WolverineGreen.com
Radio Webcast: espn960sports.com
Live Stats Link: UVU StatBroadcast
 

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OREM, Utah—The Utah Valley University men's basketball team will open Western Athletic Conference play Thursday night at the UCCU Center against defending WAC champion New Mexico State. The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. and will broadcast live on the American Sports Network.
 
"New Mexico State is really long and really good," said Utah Valley head coach Mark Pope. "We have our work cut out for us. We will have to fight hard to control the pace of the game to be successful. We are going to have to share the ball really well if we are going to be competitive in this game."
 
Utah Valley heads into Thursday's game against the Aggies with a 6-9 overall record. The Wolverines snapped a three-game losing streak with an 88-79 win over San Diego Christian on Saturday night. The game wrapped up non-conference play for the Wolveirnes.
 
Marcel Davis recorded his first career double-double with 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in the win over the Hawks on Saturday night. The senior guard connected on 7-of-12 shots from the field, including a shot from long range. He also knocked down 5-of-7 free throws and recorded four assists and three steals. Jaden Jackson helped with 19 points, while Darrious Hamilton and Hayden Schenck each scored 12.
 
Junior forward Konner Frey continues to lead the Wolverines in both scoring and rebounding at 14.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Jackson and Davis also average double figures at 13.1 points and 12.7 points per game. Davis leads the team in assists at 4.2 a game, while Andrew Bastien fronts the team in blocks at 2.0 a contest.
 
New Mexico State is 8-7 overall on the season. The Aggies are the defending WAC regular season and tournament champions. NM State has won four-straight WAC Tournament titles and is currently on a 13-game winning streak against WAC opponents dating back to the 2014-15 season.
 
NM State most recently dropped a 54-52 decision at UC Irvine on Saturday night. Sophomore forward Pascal Siakam posted his NCAA-leading 13th double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the setback. Siakam leads the Aggies in both scoring and rebounding this season at 23.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a contest. He was named the WAC's Preseason Player of the Year and has earned four WAC Player of the Week honors this season.
 
New Mexico State is coached by Marvin Menzies, who is in his ninth season with the team. He is the third winningest coach in NM State history. Menzies has led NM State to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
 
Thursday's meeting with the Aggies marks the fifth time that the two schools have met on the basketball hardwood. The Aggies hold an all-time 3-1 advantage over the Wolverines, including a two-game season sweep last season. Utah Valley's lone win in the series was a 66-61 victory in Orem on Feb. 27, 2014--a win that helped UVU secure its WAC regular season title in 2014.
 
Thursday's game at the UCCU Center will tip at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live the American Sports Network, which can be found locally on Altitude Sports (Comcast – 60, DirecTV – 681, Dish – 413). The game will also be broadcast on ESPN 960 AM radio.