Preview: Florida International at New Mexico State

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — New Mexico State looks to avenge a recent loss and halt a two-game skid when it hosts Florida International in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Pan American Center.

The Aggies (10-8, 1-4 CUSA) have dropped consecutive games to Liberty and Missouri State since a 30-point rout of Delaware on Jan. 17. They will seek to reverse a result from earlier this month, when the visiting Golden Panthers (9-10, 2-4) secured an 89-74 victory on Jan. 2.

That game featured a standout performance from Florida International’s Hamed Olayinka, who scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Olayinka, a key player for FIU, is coming off a 19-point effort in a 83-77 loss at UTEP on Thursday. However, the Golden Panthers have lost five straight since their win over the Aggies, part of a difficult 1-6 stretch in January.

New Mexico State will counter with guard Jemel Jones, who has been a dynamic scorer but was limited to just four points in 17 minutes in the first meeting. Jones has been prolific since, averaging 21.4 points over his last five games, including a 28-point performance in the loss to Missouri State.

Both teams are struggling to find consistency in conference play. Florida International’s defense, which allowed 89 points to Kennesaw State in a loss last week, will be tested by a New Mexico State offense averaging 77.2 points per game at home. The Aggies, however, have shown vulnerability, most recently in a second-half collapse against Missouri State.

The venue may provide an edge for New Mexico State, which is 7-2 at the Pan American Center this season. Florida International is 1-7 in true road games.

A win would help the Aggies stabilize their conference standing before a two-game road trip next week. For the Golden Panthers, ending their lengthy losing streak is imperative as they approach the midpoint of the league schedule.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in University Park, N.M.