PHOENIX — The New Mexico State men (22-4, 10-2) blasted Grand Canyon (19-6, 8-4) in the first game of the season between the two teams, but the Antelopes are narrow 2½-point favorites for Saturday’s rematch in Western Athletic Conference basketball (6 p.m., ESPN+ streaming, 99.5 FM in Las Cruces)
The Aggies (22-4, 10-2) are coming off a loss at Utah Valley and an underwhelming 75-64 home win Wednesday over Dixie State. Grand Canyon lost 71-61 on Jan. 29 in Las Cruces but is 12-1 at home.
New Mexico State is tied for the WAC lead with Seattle University (20-6, 11-2) which recently became ESPN’s bracketology projection to win the league’s automatic NCAA Tournament bid.