LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A New Mexico State assistant men's basketball coach was appointed interim coach of the women's team.

The decision follows the sudden resignation Tuesday of three assistants.

Elmer Chavez was hired as interim coach Tuesday and will be assisted by Greg Berry, a former New Mexico State men's assistant, athletics director Brian Faison said.

Three assistants -- Marlene Stollings, Derek Jordan and Josh Pearson -- quit Tuesday night. The resignations came the day before the team was to leave for New Orleans for a game Thursday night.

Stollings had been the interim coach since coach Nikita Lowry was placed on paid leave by Faison in December. Lowry, who was in her second season as coach, remained on paid leave Wednesday, sports information director Sean Johnson said.

The school is investigating coaching management issues. Johnson declined to elaborate but has said the inquiry does not involve NCAA rules violations.

The team has records of 12-8 overall and 6-2 in the Sun Belt Conference.

Chavez has been an assistant to men's coach Lou Henson for the past 2½ seasons. Berry was an assistant under then-coaches Weldon Drew and Ken Hayes from 1975-1985.