Since 1924, only three things have prevented the Lobos and Aggies from meeting in men’s basketball:
- World War II
- COVID-19
- A shooting death on the University of New Mexico campus last year involving a New Mexico State player.
And in continuing the state’s high-profile rivalry, there have been at least two games — one played in Albuquerque and one played in Las Cruces — almost every year for the past half century-plus.
The Journal has learned, however, that it is now not only possible, but more and more likely, that the traditional two rivalry games for the 2023-24 season are in jeopardy.