The Carlsbad (NM) varsity basketball team will host Las Cruces (NM) in a non-conference game today at 7:00 PM.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: Las Cruces vs Carlsbad
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here

Las Cruces vs. Carlsbad: A Battle of the Best in New Mexico High School Basketball

As the 2024-2025 New Mexico high school basketball season progresses, the Las Cruces Bulldogs and the Carlsbad Cavemen have established themselves as two of the state’s top teams, each with a strong record and intense rivalries. This article takes a look at their performances, comparing team statistics, head-to-head records, and common opponents as both teams continue to strive for success.

Team Overview and Records

Las Cruces Bulldogs (24-25) The Las Cruces Bulldogs have posted a solid overall record of 6-9, but their performances are reflective of a more competitive team than their record might suggest. Their home record is 2-2, while they have struggled somewhat on the road with a 2-4 record. Las Cruces has had some tough battles, but their team has shown resilience and determination throughout the season. They have scored a total of 820 points and allowed 848, giving them a win percentage of .400.

Carlsbad Cavemen (24-25) On the other hand, the Carlsbad Cavemen have been dominant, with a remarkable 11-4 overall record. Their home record is an impressive 5-1, while their away record stands at 4-2. Carlsbad has also excelled in neutral-site games, posting a 2-1 record. The Cavemen have scored 837 points while allowing only 618, reflecting their defensive strength. Their win percentage of .733 highlights their strong season.

Team Scoring Averages

When comparing their scoring averages, we see an interesting contrast:

• Las Cruces scores an average of 54.7 points per game, with a balanced offensive distribution across four quarters: 13.3 in the first quarter, 14.2 in the second, 13.3 in the third, and 11.8 in the fourth.
• Carlsbad averages slightly more at 55.8 points per game. They score 11.3 in the first quarter, 13.2 in the second, 12.2 in the third, and an impressive 14.3 points in the fourth quarter, showing a tendency to finish strong.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents, and their performance in these games offers valuable insight into how they measure up:

• Las Cruces holds a 3-2 record against common opponents.
• Carlsbad, however, has been slightly more successful, posting a 5-2 record against the same teams.

Here’s a look at some of the key matchups:

• Clovis: Las Cruces won 53-50 on December 13, 2024, while Carlsbad will face them on January 28, 2025.
• Hobbs: Las Cruces lost to Hobbs on December 26, 2024 (74-35) and January 14, 2025 (59-29), while Carlsbad lost 63-52 to Hobbs on December 6, 2024.
• Los Lunas: Las Cruces defeated Los Lunas 62-43 on January 4, 2025, while Carlsbad won 48-20 over Los Lunas on December 7, 2024.
• Roswell: Las Cruces beat Roswell 64-53 on January 6, 2025, and Carlsbad will meet Roswell in February 2025.
• Mayfield: Both teams will meet Mayfield, with Las Cruces playing at home on January 20, 2025, and Carlsbad having faced Mayfield already with a 67-58 win on January 11, 2025.

Home and Away Performance

Both teams have had varied performances at home and on the road:

• Las Cruces has managed to hold its ground at home, posting a 2-2 record, but struggles on the road with just two wins in six attempts.
• Carlsbad has been dominant at home with a 5-1 record and has performed well on the road as well, with a 4-2 record.

Upcoming Matchups and Playoff Hopes

With both teams sitting with relatively different records, their upcoming games will be crucial for positioning. For Las Cruces, the focus will be on improving consistency and performance on the road. They will face critical opponents such as Mayfield, Gadsden, and Organ Mountain. Meanwhile, Carlsbad will look to maintain their strong record and focus on securing a higher seed heading into the postseason.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Las Cruces and Carlsbad is sure to heat up as both teams continue their journey through the 2024-2025 season. Carlsbad’s stronger record and impressive defense give them an edge, but Las Cruces is a team with plenty of talent and potential. Both squads will be looking to dominate their remaining matchups and push for playoff success. The battle for the top spot in New Mexico high school basketball continues to unfold, and these two teams will be at the forefront of the action.