The Arizona Wildcats will be changing things up on Tuesday night when they take on the New Mexico State Aggies. A new starting lineup will be unveiled in what will be the team's first road game of the year, and all eyes will be on UA as they attempt to end their two-game losing streak.
NMSU is 5-1 on the season so far, with their lone loss coming against Southern Miss. They have not played anyone of Arizona's caliber, though the Aggies were able to knock off New Mexico at home.
The best player on the court tonight will be senior forward Wendell McKines. The 6'6 small forward leads New Mexico State with 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Solomon Hill and Kevin Parrom are going to have to stick on McKines if Arizona hopes to win in Las Cruces.
NMSU features three other players who average double digits in points: Christian Kabongo, Bandja Sy, and Hernst Laroche, who also leads the team in assists. Each of these three are capable of filling the stat sheet on any given night and they have provided head coach Marvin Menzies with an excellent veteran presence thus far in 2011.
New Lineup:
After slow starts in seemingly every game this season, Sean Miller is changing his starting lineup. While nothing has been confirmed, it is clear that junior center Kyryl Natyazhko will not be starting. UA has had success with a three-guard lineup at times and Nick Johnson continues to play well. Do not be surprised to see Johnson, Jordin Mayes, Kyle Fogg, Solomon HIll and Jesse Perry take the court for tipoff.
TV Info: The game will be aired live on FOX Sports Arizona-Plus.
Online Stream: ESPN3.com will stream all the action this evening.
Final Prediction: It's tough to see this Arizona team winning on the road against a quality opponent like New Mexico State. UA hangs in for most of the game, but unless a drastic change in shot selection occurs, the Wildcats will lose a heartbreaker 70-68.