New Mexico vs. San Diego State: “Battle of the Big Dogs at Viejas Arena”

Battle of the Big Dogs at Viejas Arena

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Huge Mountain West game

The San Diego State Aztecs (19-6, 8-4 MWC) will look to extend a 14-game home winning streak when they take on the New Mexico Lobos (20-5, 8-4 MWC) on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl.

The highly anticipated clash at Viejas Arena promises to be a heavyweight match with significant implications in the Mountain West Conference rankings. 

San Diego State’s record against the spread this season is 10-13-0, and New Mexico’s is 17-7-0.

 The Aztecs have a 13-10-0 record going over the point total, while games involving the Lobos have a record of 14-10-0 when it comes to hitting the over. 

Over the past ten contests, San Diego State is 4-6 against the spread and 6-4 overall, while New Mexico has gone 7-3 against the spread and 7-3 overall.

 Game time at Viejas Arena is 8:00 p.m. MT (7:00 p.m. PT), and the game will air on FS1 and the Lobo Radio Network. It should be a great college basketball game. 

The Lobos defeated the Aztecs on January 13 at the PIT 88-70, in the PIT, so the Aztecs are looking for a bit of payback in their arena with a very loud fan base.

• Matchup: New Mexico Lobos (20-5) 8-4 vs. San Diego State Aztecs (19-6) 8-4 in conference
• Date/Time: Friday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. MST

• Location: Viejas Arena San Diego, CA 
• TV Channel: FS1 
• STREAM: FuboTV — Get a free trial

The New Mexico men’s basketball team concludes a two-game road trip on Friday with a visit to San Diego State for a battle of teams tied for second place in the Mountain West. 

The stage is set for an epic showdown as the New Mexico men’s basketball team gears up for the final leg of their two-game road trip.

They are heading into San Diego State territory for a high-stakes battle between two titans tied for second place in the Mountain West standings. 

With the clock ticking towards tip-off at Viejas Arena, anticipation mounts for this clash of basketball heavyweights, slated for 8:00 p.m. MT (7:00 p.m. PT) and set to air on FS1 and the Lobo Radio Network.

The Lobos, boasting a formidable 20-5 record this season and sitting at 8-4 in the Mountain West, are riding a wave of momentum after their heart-stopping victory over Nevada on Tuesday night in Reno, Nevada. 

 With four consecutive road wins under their belt, they are hungry for their first five-game conference road win streak since their glory days in 2013-14. 

The Lobos have yet to lose two games in a row this season, so the Nevada win helped keep that streak alive. 

In their recent triumph, Jamal Mashburn, Jr. emerged as the hero, sinking crucial shots to seal the deal for UNM. 

Mashburn had been taking a beating on Twitter from many of the local “armchair quarterbacks” for his poor performance against UNLV.

He responded with two huge three-point shots at Reno to help seal the deal for victory for the Lobos against Steve Alford‘s Nevada Wolf Pack in a massive win. 

The Lobos basketball team used two late three-pointers from Jamal Mashburn, Jr. to down Nevada 83-82 on Tuesday night at the Lawlor Events Center.

Mashburn led the Lobos with 17 points, highlighted by a game-tying three with 1:13 to play and the go-ahead three with 22.4 seconds left. Jaelen House added 13 points and four assists, while Mustapha Amzil had 12 points off the bench. 

Nelly Junior Joseph had his fifth double-double of the season with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, while JT Toppin just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Donovan Dent had nine points to go with seven assists.

Meanwhile, the San Diego State Aztecs, standing at 19-6 overall and mirroring the Lobos’ 8-4 conference record, are no strangers to success. 

Fresh off a sensational comeback win against Colorado State, where they erased a daunting halftime deficit, the Aztecs are led by the dynamic Jaedon LeDee, the conference’s leading scorer with an impressive 20.3 points per game.

With history on the line, New Mexico seeks to replicate their earlier victory over SDSU this season, aiming for their first season sweep of the Aztecs since 2016-17. 

A Friday night win would solidify their dominance over their rivals and mark a rare achievement, making them the first team since Fresno State in 2018 and 2019 to conquer the formidable Viejas Arena in back-to-back years.

As the tension mounts and the stakes soar, basketball fans everywhere brace themselves for what promises to be an unforgettable clash between two powerhouse programs.

Both vied for supremacy in one of college basketball’s most fiercely contested conferences, the Mountain West Conference. 

 Only one team will emerge victorious in this battle for bragging rights and conference positioning, etching their name into the annals of Mountain West basketball lore.

Under the leadership of Richard Pitino, son of the legendary Rick Pitino, the New Mexico Lobos have undergone a remarkable transformation. 

In just three seasons, Pitino has propelled the Lobos to back-to-back 20-win campaigns for the first time since 2014, signaling a resurgence in the program’s fortunes.

Offensively dynamic, the Lobos rank among the elite in the Mountain West and across Division I basketball, averaging an impressive 84.1 points per game, placing them 16th nationally. 

Under Richard Pitino’s leadership, the Lobos have emerged as one of the most formidable offensive forces in the Mountain West and Division I basketball. 

With an impressive average of 84.1 points per game (PPG), they currently rank 16th nationally. 

When the team adopts an up-tempo style and their shots find the mark, success inevitably follows, reflected in their performance in the win/loss column.

Despite the formidable challenge posed by San Diego State on their home turf, the Lobos remain undaunted, buoyed by their dominant home-court advantage at “The Pit,” where they boast an impressive 11-2 record this season. 

With three crucial home games remaining, the Lobos understand the importance of capitalizing on every opportunity to secure victory and propel themselves to the top of the conference standings.

However, they are also mindful of the challenges awaiting them on the road, with matchups against formidable opponents such as SDSU, USU, and the Boise State Broncos. 

With the conference title within their grasp, the Lobos are fully focused on the task at hand, prepared to leave it all on the court in pursuit of their championship aspirations.

To this point, the Lobos have generated 84.1 PPG, which lands them 16th in the nation. 

UNM also has three games left on the road, and considering those opponents (SDSU, USU, and the Boise State Broncos), it’s the most challenging part of their schedule this season. 

The San Diego State Aztecs, currently listed at +210, have been a dominant force in the Mountain West, epitomizing excellence both on and off the court. 

As last year’s national runner-up, they clinched the most recent regular season title in the conference, showcasing their prowess as one of the premier programs in the West. 

With an impressive track record, the Aztecs have triumphed in this market nine times, including three of the last four seasons, a feat unmatched by any other MWC school.

Under the guidance of head coach Brian Dutcher, now in his seventh year at the helm, San Diego State has consistently excelled, notching over 20 wins in every season. 

They stand tied for second in the conference with an 8-4 record in MWC play and an overall record of 19-6, firmly positioned to make a run at the top spot.

In 2024, the Aztecs have relied on their trademark stingy defense to power their campaign, holding opposing teams to just 66.8 points per game. 

With a roster boasting 11 players taller than 6-foot-4, including standout forward Jaedon LeDee, who averages an impressive 20.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, the Aztecs pose a formidable challenge to any opponent.

With two pivotal matchups on the horizon, including a crucial clash against UNM this Friday and a showdown against Utah State, the Aztecs have their sights set on seizing control of the conference regular season race. 

These upcoming games carry immense significance and could ultimately determine the conference champion, making them must-watch events for fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.

So fans can expect a great Friday game between two outstanding programs that have their strengths and weaknesses like any team. 

They are also very well-coached with some exciting players who can flat-out play the game of basketball, and depending on who shows up, the outcome and the victory will be determined. 

You never know what you will get in the Mountain West Conference from night to night, and there is a good possibility that six teams could go to the NCAA Tournament this year. 

Only time will tell us that, but for now, this writer will enjoy every second or every game; it’s been that good of a fan experience this year in this powerful conference. 

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New Mexico vs. San Diego State: How Lobos Can Defeat Aztecs

Huge game on broadcast on TV

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Lobos hosting Aztecs in a huge game

On Saturday, the 19th-ranked San Diego State encounters a challenging assignment as it travels to Albuquerque, N.M., to take on New Mexico Lobos in the infamous PIT.

The San Diego State Aztecs (14-2, 3-0 MWC) are seeking to prolong their seven-game winning streak as they face the New Mexico Lobos (13-3, 1-2 MWC) at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at The Pit.

The Aztecs (14-2, 3-0 MWC) have won seven in a row; however, they know the Lobos (13-3, 1-2) are dangerous opponents at home who need a good Quad 1 victory.  

The Saturday matchup will be broadcast on CBS to a national prime-time audience, promising an exciting game from both the Lobos and Aztecs. 

When these two rivals play at the PIT in Albuquerque or Viejas Arena in San Diego, prepare for the fireworks like a pair of prize fighters exchanging punches.  

UNM Athletics announced a sold-out status for the upcoming game against No. 19 San Diego State, enhancing the spectacle with a planned red and white “stripe out” inside the Pit.

There is no doubt that this Lobo team is one of the more talented Lobo teams this writer has seen in a few years to wear the cherry & silver Lobo uniforms.  

They are a legitimate top FBS team on paper but have struggled at times, especially with the energy levels or slow starts in the second half of the game. 

• Matchup: New Mexico Lobos (13-3) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (14-2)
• Date/Time: Saturday, January 13 at 2:00 PM ET

• Location: The PIT in Albuquerque, New Mexico

• TV Channel: CBS
• STREAM: FuboTV — Get a free trial

Yes, they are 13-3, 1-2 in the MWC, but the games they have lost have all been pretty much the same recipe: start strong in the first half, start weak in the second half, get behind, and try to catch up before the clock runs out. 

The Lobos must have the “come to Jesus moment” to realize how good they can be when playing smart, fundamentally sound basketball. 

They have got to find a way to find consistent scoring at the three-point line, and Coach Pitino said in today’s presser, “There is no way to win games if you can’t score from the three-point game in this day and age.” 

By this time next week, following their matchups against SDSU and Utah State, we should gather ample evidence to form a conclusive judgment on how good this team is. 

The Lobos pulling the upset in the next two games would be huge for this team and their confidence going forward for the rest of the season. 

I think no team has this much talent, especially at the three-guard spot in the Mountain West Conference. 

We are talking about hitting free throws and taking and scoring more three-point shots, and their big man must play sound defense; the leaders on this team must step up! 

They must play sound fundamental basketball with many good teams in this conference to win games, especially on the road. 

Their big Nelly Junion Joseph, at 6-10 240 pounds, must put his mean socks on and play more intensely and physically, especially against the Aztecs, or it could get ugly. 

While Lobo fans have relished Jaelen House‘s vibrant and animated presence and personality, he must maintain emotional composure, particularly in critical moments when his team relies on him to give his team a fighting chance to win big games. 

Local beat writer Geoff Grammer for the Albuquerque Journal reported, “For 15 seasons, UNM has declared a sellout 31 times, with seven sellouts occurring during nonconference matchups and 24 in Mountain West play.

Notably, among all opposing teams, none have drawn more sold-out crowds to the Pit than UNM’s in conference rival San Diego State, surpassing even in-state rival New Mexico State University.”

CBS will broadcast the game at noon local time, marking the season’s second sellout after the December 2 victory against in-state rival New Mexico State. 

This game, being televised in front of a national audience on CBS, promises to be one thunderous, excellent basketball game in the infamous PIT. 

The Aztecs, with a formidable record of 14-2 (3-0 Mountain West) and a presence in April’s national title game, bring standout players like All-America candidate forward Jaedon LeDee and guard LaMont Butler, known for breaking Lobo fans’ hearts with a buzzer-beater last February and repeating the feat in the Final Four against Florida Atlantic.

After last week’s Aztec win against UNLV: “It’s all the difference,” LeDee said. “At this level, everybody can shoot, everybody has skill, everybody gameplans. 

It’s about who wants it the most, who’s willing to go out there and do what it takes. That’s kind of what our identity is. 

Whether it’s last year’s team or this year’s team, it doesn’t matter what team it is; we’re going to be tough, and we’re going to compete.”

So you can see what the Aztecs want their identity to be, and this is where the Lobos must match this mindset with tough, physical, smart play in the PIT to beat them. 

You are coming to our House (no pun intended), the PIT, and we are a darn good team that belongs with the upper tear Mountain West teams this year! 

You can bet that the Lobos have not forgotten last year’s game, losing at a last-second shot to Lamont Butler and seeking revenge on one of their rivals in the MWC. 

With a current record of 13-3 (1-2), the Lobos aim to bounce back from a recent road loss at UNLV and defend their undefeated 8-0 home court performance this season.

New Mexico has achieved a 9-5-0 record against the spread this season, while San Diego State stands at 6-7-0. 

Five of the Lobos’ games surpassed the point total, whereas seven of the Aztecs’ games exceeded it.

 New Mexico boasts a 7-3 against the spread in the last ten games and an 8-2 overall record. San Diego State has a 5-5 against the spread and a 9-1 overall performance.

Six of the Lobos’ games this season have exceeded the point total, whereas eight of the Aztecs’ games have done the same. 

New Mexico boasts a 7-3 record against the spread in their last ten games and an 8-2 overall record. San Diego State has a 4-6 record against the spread and a 9-1 overall record.

New Mexico Key Players to Watch

Donovan Dent leads the Lobos in both points and assists per game, showcasing impressive stats of 15.7 points and 6.1 assists.

Nelly Junior Joseph dominates the rebounding category for New Mexico, securing an average of 7.8 boards per game while also contributing 8.8 points to each contest.

Jemarl Baker Jr. leads the Lobos in three-point shooting, averaging 1.4 shots from beyond the arc per game.

Dent stands out as the leader for New Mexico in the steals department, averaging 1.7 takeaways per game. Meanwhile, JT Toppin takes the lead in blocks, recording an average of 1.5 rejections per contest.

JT Toppin averages 12.5 points, 0.6 assists, and 7.6 rebounds in each game. Nelly Junior Joseph leads the Lobos with 7.8 rebounds per game, contributing 1.3 assists and 8.8 points.

Without question, Lobo Guard Jaelen House is the emotional sparkplug for this team this year. 

If House stays out of foul trouble and stays focused on helping lead this team, the Lobos will get upset, and if he gets into foul trouble, it will spell trouble for him sitting on the bench.  

Jaelen House scored 29 points in last season’s win in San Diego, and Jamal Mashburn Jr. had 22. They also combined for 35 points in the loss to the visiting Aztecs.

San Diego State Key Players to Watch

Jaedon LeDee stands as the Aztecs’ leading scorer, averaging 22.0 points per game (ranking fifth in college basketball), and is also their top rebounder with 8.8 rebounds. LeDee contributes 1.5 assists per game.

Micah Parrish contributes 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game for the Aztecs.

Reese Waters maintains a stat line of 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He showcases impressive shooting accuracy, making 44.2% of his field goals and 42.1% from 3-point range while averaging 1.5 triples per game.

Lamont Butler leads the San Diego State team in assists, averaging 3.3 per game. Additionally, he contributes an average of 8.4 points and secures 1.8 rebounds per game.

On December 29, San Diego State secured its most notable victory of the season with an 84-74 road win against the No. 23 Gonzaga Bulldogs.

 Reese Waters emerged as the leading scorer in the game, contributing 22 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Micah Parrish tops San Diego State in steals, recording an average of 1.6 per game, while Jay Pal leads in blocks with an average of 0.7 per game.

For fans tuning in to this prime-time national game, the spectacle promises to exceed the value of admission or the ticket price. 

While UNM aims for the upset, it’s clear that overcoming this highly skilled Aztec team will require a collective effort. The well-coached Aztecs, known for their resilience, don’t back down when facing opponents, as evident in their gameplay.

This would be a tremendous quad-one win for UNM, and boy, do they need it if they have any hopes of advancing in the NCAA tournament; it’s all about winning from here on out. 

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