Schofield’s 20-Point Performance Not Enough In Dixie State’s Loss To NMSU

ST. GEORGE, Utah – Hunter Schofield’s 20-point performance wasn’t enough for Dixie State in their 76-66 loss to New Mexico State on Friday evening.

Dixie State was hoping to start a winning streak but New Mexico State was too much for them to handle on Friday.

It was a high scoring first half that saw the lead change three times. Dixie State’s largest lead was five points when they started the game with a 5-0 lead. The Aggies’ biggest lead in the first half was 12 points with 1:47 left.

New Mexico State had a 45-36 lead heading into the halftime break. Three Aggies were in double figures, led by Jabari Rice with 16 points. Donnie Tillman and Evan Gilyard II scored 10 points apiece. They shot 46 percent (17-37) from the field and 35 percent (7-20) from the three-point line, along with 4-of-6 at the free throw line in the first half.

Final from the Burns Arena. #DixieBlazers #WeAreONE #WACmbb #WAChoops pic.twitter.com/qIbbydkYzJ

— Dixie State Basketball (@DIXIESTATEBBALL) March 6, 2021

Hunter Schofield led Dixie State in the opening half with 13 points and 5 rebounds. The Trailblazers shot 48 percent (13-27) from the floor, 50 percent (6-12) from beyond the arc and also went 4-for-6 at the foul line. The difference in the first half was committing 10 turnovers with the Aggies converting 10 points.

Dixie State couldn’t get back into the game as NMSU answered any run they had. New Mexico State outscored the Trailblazers 31-30 in the second half. Hunter Schofield finished with a team-high 20 points and 7 rebounds. Cameron Gooden added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Andre Mulibea chipped in 10 points.

Dixie State dropped their record to 8-12 overall and 4-9 in Western Athletic Conference play. They will wrap up the regular season with a rematch with New Mexico State at Burns Arena on Saturday, March 6 at 7 p.m. MT on the WAC Digital Network.