LOUISVILLE, Ky.-Senior guard/forward Justin Hawkins had a game-high 25 points and eight rebounds for the New Mexico State men’s basketball team that nearly upset Louisville, 70-65, in Billy Minardi Classic in Freedom Hall, Saturday, Dec. 22.

Sophomore guard Jonathan Gibson contributed 12 points while freshman guard Jahmar Young added 11 points.  Gibson had a strong all-around performance with eight rebounds and seven assists, which were both career highs in the game named after Louisville head coach Rick Pitino's brother-in-law, who died in the terrorists attack on the World Trade Center, Sept. 11, 2001.

Head coach Marvin Menzies said he was delighted with the team’s showing in his return to Louisville.  Menzies spent the two previous seasons as an assistant coach with the Cardinals. 

“They played their hearts out,” Menzies said.  “I was very, very pleased with our effort, very pleased with our performance overall but very disappointed in the end result.

“I thought for his second game, JY (Young) played a lot more comfortable, a lot more relaxed so I was pleased to see that.  Hawk (Hawkins), obviously, is our marquee guy, and he felt like he had to step up and do a little bit more, and he did that.”

Despite trailing 35-23 at the half, the Aggies cut Louisville’s lead to 37-30 on a Hawkins 3-point basket. 

The Cardinals responded and extended the lead to 58-44 with 10:45 remaining in the game but the Aggies went on a 17-6 run.  NMSU closed the gap to three points, 64-61, on a Gibson jumper at the 3:46 mark.

With a minute to play, the Aggies kept it close, 68-65, after a jumper from Young.

The Aggies are now off until the host Alcorn State, Dec. 31 at 1:00 p.m.