Ball’s withdrawal from UCLA surprises Alford
New Mexico State will face San Diego
LOS ANGELES — UCLA coach Steve Alford said he was caught by surprise when he learned through media reports that suspended freshman guard LiAngelo Ball was leaving the basketball team and withdrawing from school.
“I’m not angry. I try not to get angry,” Alford said Tuesday. “This is a tough business … It’s about what I can control. LiAngelo has been, since coming back (from China), he’s been tremendous as far as (he’s) been to all his classes. He’s gone to all his tutors, all his mentors. He’s done exactly what’s been asked of him. I don’t think it’s angry. I think it’s more surprised if you’re looking for one word, it’s surprised because it’s nothing we saw coming.”
Ball’s father, LaVar Ball, has said he’s withdrawing his son from school so he can prepare to play in the NBA.
NMSU: New Mexico State looks to stay undefeated at home this season when San Diego comes to town today for a 7 p.m. game in the Pan American Center.
New Mexico State is ranked third in the NCAA with a 12.6 rebounding margin. Individually, Jemerrio Jones is third in the country with 4.71 offensive boards per game and eighth in rebounds per game (11.9). He is also tied for 24th in the nation with four double-doubles.
Tuesday Men No. 4 VILLANOVA 88, No. 12 GONZAGA 72: In New York, Mikal Bridges scored 28 points to lead the Wildcats (9-0) over the Bulldogs (7-2) in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. ARIZONA 67, No. 7 TEXAS
A&M 64: In Phoenix, Deandre Ayton had 13 points and 10 rebounds as the Wildcats (6-3) beat the Aggies (7-1). No. 18 WEST VIRGINIA 68,
No. 15 VIRGINIA 61: In Morgantown, W.Va., Jevon Carter had 23 points and 10 rebounds as the Mountaineers (8-1) defeated the Cavaliers (8-1). TEXAS TECH 82, No. 22
NEVADA 76 (OT): In Lubbock, Texas, Keenan Evans scored 25 of his 32 points in the second half and overtime and the Red Raiders (7-1) rallied from 11 points down in the second half to beat the Wolf Pack (8-1). ARKANSAS 92, COLO. STATE 66: In Fayetteville, Ark., C.J. Jones matched his career high with 19 (6-2) points beat the and Rams the Razorbacks (4-5). 56: DENVER In Denver, 58, SAN Joe Rosga JOSE STATE had 23 points as the Pioneers (5-5) beat the Spartans (2-6). UNLV 92, ORAL ROBERTS 66: In Las Vegas, Nev., Shakur Juiston delivered 19 points for the Rebels (7-2) in their win over the Golden Eagles (2-8). FRESNO STATE 70, CS BAKERSFIELD 55: In Fresno, Calif., Deshon Taylor had 19 points and seven rebounds, leading the Bulldogs (7-2) past the Roadrunners (4-6). NMHU 81, CSU PUEBLO 76: In Pueblo, Colo., Jacob Holland scored 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting as the Cowboys (6-3, 1-2 RMAC) defeated the ThunderWolves (3-6, 0-3). Women CSU PUEBLO 78, NMHU 53: In Pueblo, Colo., Jennah Knafelc scored 18 points to lead the ThunderWolves (5-4, 3-0 RMAC) over the Cowgirls (3-5, 1-2). Savannah Madrid-Andrews led Highlands with 14 points.