LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Opening the 2023 Cancun Challenge with an on-campus matchup, NM State (3-2, 0-0 CUSA) welcomed the Northern Colorado Bears (2-2, 0-0 Big Sky) on Saturday night. Despite trailing by 16 points early in the second half, Christian Cook and Femi Odukale combined for 34 points, ten rebounds and five steals, powering the Aggies to a 76-71 home victory.
After recording home wins over Sul Ross State and Western New Mexico, the Aggies win over the Bears gave the Aggies their first win against a Division I opponent.