Event Preview
Overview
The Utah Tech Trailblazers are set to host the New Mexico State Aggies in a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) women's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM Mountain Time (MT) at Burns Arena in St. George, Utah. This game marks the first WAC contest for both teams this season, making it a crucial early-season conference opener. The Trailblazers aim to bounce back from a recent home loss, while the Aggies are looking to build momentum after a narrow defeat in their previous game.
Season Snapshot
Utah Tech Trailblazers
The Trailblazers enter this game with a 4-3 overall record. They have demonstrated resilience, securing victories against teams like Northern New Mexico and Weber State. However, they've faced challenges against higher-ranked opponents, including a 90-56 loss to Boise State on December 6, 2024. (broncosports.com) As they transition into WAC play, Utah Tech is eager to establish themselves as competitive contenders within the conference.
New Mexico State Aggies
The Aggies have had a challenging start to their season, holding a 1-6 record. Their sole win came against New Mexico on December 1, 2024. (storage.googleapis.com) In their most recent outing, they narrowly lost to Southern Utah, 69-59, with Imani Warren leading the team with 15 points. (nmstatesports.com) Despite their record, the Aggies have shown flashes of potential and are looking to turn their season around as they enter WAC play.
Recent Form
Utah Tech Trailblazers
The Trailblazers have experienced a mix of results in their recent games. After a strong start to the season, they suffered a significant setback with a 90-56 loss to Boise State on December 6, 2024. (broncosports.com) This defeat highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense and shooting efficiency. As they prepare for the Aggies, Utah Tech is focused on refining their strategies to enhance their performance in conference play.
New Mexico State Aggies
The Aggies have faced a tough schedule, resulting in a 1-6 record. Their most recent game was a 69-59 loss to Southern Utah, where Imani Warren led with 15 points. (nmstatesports.com) Despite the losses, the Aggies have shown resilience and are determined to improve as they enter WAC competition.
Talking Points
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Conference Opener Significance: Both teams are entering their first WAC game of the season, making this matchup pivotal for setting the tone in conference play.
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Home Court Advantage: Utah Tech will look to leverage the support of their home crowd at Burns Arena to secure a much-needed win.
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Aggies' Offensive Strategy: With a potent offense, the Aggies aim to exploit Utah Tech's defensive vulnerabilities to gain an edge.
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Trailblazers' Defensive Adjustments: After recent defensive lapses, Utah Tech is focused on tightening their defense to contain the Aggies' scoring threats.
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Player Matchups to Watch: Key individual performances, such as those from Imani Warren and the Trailblazers' leading scorers, could be decisive in this contest.
Players to Watch
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Imani Warren (New Mexico State): A dynamic scorer, Warren led the Aggies with 15 points in their recent game against Southern Utah. (nmstatesports.com)
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Lucía Yenes (New Mexico State): A consistent performer, Yenes contributes significantly to the Aggies' offense and will be a key player to watch.
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Kaylee Borden (Utah Tech): As one of the Trailblazers' leading scorers, Borden's performance will be crucial in this matchup.
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Chardonnay Hartley (Utah Tech): Known for her scoring ability, Hartley will be instrumental in Utah Tech's offensive strategy.
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Brie Crittendon (Utah Tech): A key player in the Trailblazers' lineup, Crittendon's contributions will be vital for their success.
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Resilience: The Aggies' potent offense will test the Trailblazers' defensive capabilities, making this a critical area to watch.
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Home Court Dynamics: Utah Tech's performance at Burns Arena could be a decisive factor, as they aim to defend their home turf.
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Player Performance Under Pressure: How key players like Warren and Borden handle the pressure of a conference opener will be pivotal.
Fun Facts
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Historical Rivalry: This game marks the continuation of a competitive rivalry between Utah Tech and New Mexico State, with both teams eager to assert dominance.
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Burns Arena Atmosphere: Known for its passionate fan base, Burns Arena provides a challenging environment for visiting teams.
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Aggies' Resilience: Despite a tough start, the Aggies have shown determination and are looking to turn their season around.
Things to Chirp About
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"Can the Trailblazers bounce back from their recent loss and start WAC play with a win?"
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"Will the Aggies' offense find its rhythm against Utah Tech's defense?"
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"How will Burns Arena's atmosphere impact the game?"
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"Which key player will step up and make a difference in this conference opener?"
Prediction
This matchup is poised to be a closely contested game, with both teams eager to make a statement in their WAC opener. While Utah Tech has the advantage of playing at home, the Aggies' offensive capabilities could pose significant challenges. The outcome may hinge on which team can execute their game plan more effectively and capitalize on key moments.