Gonzaga Agrees to Buy Game as New Mexico State Battles Scheduling Squeeze
Most offseason phone calls placed by New Mexico State coach Jason Hooten to high-major programs conclude with a polite rejection. The response is almost always a variation of thanks, but no thanks. Getting these games has grown increasingly difficult for mid-major athletic departments relying on buy games to turn a profit and generate vital revenue-sharing dollars.
The core of the scheduling dilemma lies in the NCAA’s NET rating system, the primary metric used to sort and select the tournament field. High-major programs in the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC, and Big East receive virtually no reward for blowout wins over capable mid-major opponents. However, a narrow victory or an outright loss can severely damage a tournament resume. Programs increasingly find it safer to schedule teams projected between 200 and 350 in the NET rather than opponents sitting in the 100 to 200 range.
Since Hooten took over at New Mexico State in the 2023-24 season, the Aggies have played three high-major opponents in total, securing zero such matchups during the previous campaign. That reality made the agreement with No. 15 Gonzaga a welcome surprise ahead of Saturday’s 2 p.m. meeting at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
We were at a point in time where we needed a game like this financially. I want to thank those guys for playing us, because it’s been really hard for us over the last two years since things have changed with the NET, it’s hard for these high majors to schedule good mid majors anymore.
While Gonzaga features at least 10 high-major opponents in its nonconference slate, Saturday’s matchup presents a distinct test. The Aggies currently sit at No. 131 in KenPom ratings, outranking teams like Montana State at No. 132, Cornell at No. 205, Incarnate Word at No. 324, and NAIA Eastern Oregon.
Roster Complications and Injury Challenges for the Aggies
New Mexico State enters the contest coming off a closer-than-expected 73-66 season-opening win over Division II Western New Mexico. That victory came with significant costs. Senior guard Gabe Warren, the team’s most consistent player through preseason practices, suffered a season-ending ACL injury just nine minutes into the contest.
At the same time, seventh-year senior guard KK Robinson operated under a minutes restriction. Robinson, who previously played two seasons at Arkansas, one at Texas A&M and one at Arkansas-Little Rock before missing consecutive seasons due to double ACL injuries, continues working toward full game shape and will remain limited against Gonzaga.
Hooten acknowledged the fluid nature of his early-season rotation. The team entered the opener without the benefit of a fully assembled roster during scrimmages, forcing adjustments across multiple offensive positions.
Frontcourt Matchups at McCarthey Athletic Center
Saturday’s contest brings notable individual pairings, particularly in the frontcourt. New Mexico State projects to start 6-8 forward Mark Lavrenov alongside 6-9 forward Leopold Levillain, a transfer from Long Beach State who previously played for the U-21 team at Cholet Basket in France.
Lavrenov posted 9.9 points and 7.0 rebounds last season at Sacramento State and opened the current campaign with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double against Western New Mexico. He is expected to match up against Gonzaga’s Braden Huff, who looks to rebound after shooting 4 of 11 from the field in an opening win over Purdue.
It will be a great challenge for Mark to get to play against great size and length. Guys that are very established on that level. I know Mark though. Mark’s a tough kid and he plays really, really hard and passionate. I know he’ll be ready enough for the challenge.
