Preview: Delaware Looks to Avenge Blowout Loss at New Mexico State

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — The Delaware Blue Hens will seek to reverse a recent blowout and snap a five-game skid when they visit the New Mexico State Aggies in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Pan American Center.

The Aggies (10-9, 2-4 CUSA) dominated the first meeting this season, routing the Blue Hens 97-68 in Newark on Jan. 17. New Mexico State shot 56% from the field in that victory, one of the low points in a difficult season for Delaware (5-14, 1-5).

Delaware enters on the heels of a 67-51 loss at Liberty on Saturday. The Blue Hens have lost eight of their last nine, with the lone win a 67-52 victory over Kennesaw State on Jan. 4. Their recent struggles have been marked by offensive inconsistency and narrow defeats, including three losses by three points or fewer in January.

The Blue Hens will lean heavily on guard Christian Bliss, who has been a bright spot. He averages 17.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game in conference play. In the first matchup against the Aggies, Bliss scored 19 points and dished five assists. He is coming off a 17-point, six-rebound effort at Liberty.

New Mexico State has also faced recent challenges, dropping four of its last five games. The Aggies fell 81-78 to Florida International at home on Saturday despite a 26-point performance from guard Elijah Elliott. Elliott averages a team-leading 15.8 points per game in CUSA play and scored 14 points in 20 minutes in the earlier win over Delaware.

The Aggies have shown potency at home this season, boasting a 7-2 record in Las Cruces, including a 2-1 mark in conference games. Delaware is 1-8 in true road games.

For Delaware to compete, it must improve significantly on defense after allowing the Aggies to score at will in the first meeting. Containing Elliott and limiting transition opportunities will be key. New Mexico State aims to stabilize after its recent slide and protect its home court to stay in the middle of the conference standings.

Wednesday’s game tips off at 9 p.m. EST. Following this contest, Delaware travels to face UTEP on Saturday, while New Mexico State visits Kennesaw State.