Tag: Jaelen House

New Mexico vs. Texas Southern: Preview, How To Stream, Odds & More

New Mexico vs. Texas Southern: Preview Mountain West title challengers New Mexico face SWAC title favorites Texas Southern. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Richard Pitino’s Lobos enter season opener with plenty of hype, their first test of …

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New Mexico vs. Texas Southern: Preview

Mountain West title challengers New Mexico face SWAC title favorites Texas Southern.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Richard Pitino’s Lobos enter season opener with plenty of hype, their first test of the season is repeat visitor to the big dance Texas Southern.

WHO: New Mexico (0-0, 0-0 in the MWC) vs. Texas Southern (0-0, 0-0 in the SWAC)

WHEN: Monday, November 6th, 7:30 PM MT, 8:30 PM CT

WHERE: University Arena aka “The Pit”, Albuquerque, NM

STREAM: Mountain West Network

Line: KenPom, The Lobos are favored by 16 Points

The excitement has returned to New Mexico basketball and in turn the city of Albuquerque. Lobo basketball is the main show in town and when the program is good, the Pit crowd shows out. Just look at last season’s expedited turnaround which saw a 14-0 start to the season as the nation’s last remaining undefeated team. Not to mention the program’s return to the AP Top-25 for the first time in nearly a decade. This brought 228,000 fans to the historic Pit in 2022-2023, including five games with over 15,000 fans in attendance.

All of this led to head coach Richard Pitino receiving a contract extension that gave him an annual pay bump ($1.1 million next season) and locked in his job as the Lobos’ lead man until 2027-2028.

The third year head coach turned the New Mexico program into a competitive force again in an ever-growing competitive Mountain West Conference. And according to the head man, maybe a bit ahead of schedule given the coaches lackluster first season in Albuquerque in which he went 13-19 (5-12 in MWC, 9th place finish).

Though along with the hype that has returned to New Mexico, so has has the expectations. Both are high, sky high in fact after a successful offseason that saw the Lobos go shopping in the transfer portal. They emerged with quality commitments from Nelly Junior-Joseph (Iona), Jemarl Baker Jr. (Fresno State), Mustapha Amzil (Dayton), Isaac Mushila (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) and Deraji Agbaosi (North Alabama).

To match a revamped roster Coach Pitino released the team’s non-conference schedule back on October 3rd. A tad late because of the difficulty he encountered when attempting to build an attractive non-conference schedule. At least as far as the NCAA Tournament selection committee is concerned.

The 2023-2024 schedule could be considered both a win & loss in that regard. With big brand high majors lacking but several quality games against teams favored to win their conferences locked in. And Monday’s season opener at home against predicted SWAC favorites Texas Southern is a perfect example of this.

The Tigers may be the perfect test for what could be a short staffed Lobo squad. With star guard Jaelen House and impact transfers Jemarl Baker Jr. and Isaac Mushila absence from their team’s two exhibition wins and still question marks for the season opener. Texas Southern will be a quality opponent for some younger Lobos to get their feet wet against a D-I tournament team, here’s why.

Texas Southern Breakdown

The Tigers are coming off of their 3rd straight NCAA Tournament appearance after an 84-61 loss to eventual tourney darlings Fairleigh Dickinson in the East Region’s first four. That marks trips to the big dance in three out of the five seasons former Nevada Wolf Pack associate head coach Johnny Jones has been in charge of the program.

This is the appeal of the Tigers program, not a 100% guarantee to run the table of the SWAC (14-21, 7-11 8th last season). But a culture in a program that gives opportunity go dancing nearly every season. And for some of the regions most sought after transfers, that was enough to join the team for a chance to do it all again this season.

Aside from losing their leading scorer Davon Barnes to northern neighbor Sam Houston State, Texas Southern were big time winners in the transfer portal. Securing commits from backcourt members Johnathan Cisse (Incarnate Word), Deon Stroud (Fresno State/Eastern Washington) and big men Josh Farmer (UTSA), Kenny Hunter (Louisiana Tech) & Jahmar Young Jr. (SMU). This mix of battle hardened returners and a quality transfer class should be a tougher than expected first game of the season.

Players to Watch:

G Donovan Dent-New Mexico

As of media availability last week, starting point guard Jaelen House could miss the Lobos’ season opener against the Texas Southern Tigers on Monday night. But worry not, as this may be the perfect opportunity to witness returning sophomore floor general Donovan Dent in what many expect to be his future role in the starting lineup a year early.

The 6-2 point guard was one of the more exciting and developed freshman to dawn the cherry and silver in several years. Dent displayed an advanced ability to attack the rim in his first year in college basketball. Which led to season averages of 5.6 PPG, 2.3 APG, 2.0 RPG & 0.9 SPG in 18.5 mpg as the first man off of the bench. He’s taken on a bigger role in House’s absence , averaging 24.5 PPG, 5.0 APG & 2.5 SPG in New Mexico’s two exhibition wins.

G PJ Henry-Texas Southern

Henry is the SWAC Preseason Player of the Year after help lead his squad to a conference tournament championship as the 8th seed. Including two wins against co-regular season champions Alcorn St. & Grambling, and posting 18.7 points a game while shooting 40.7% from deep in three wins.

Coach Jones will lean on him heavily to lead this still youthful and newly put together title contender. Henry showed he was cable to just that last season. After missing the first six games of the Tigers’ SWAC slate he returned and aided in the team’s run to a conference title. The pieces are in place for Henry to elevate his game and better elevate those around him, a matchup against sophomore Donovan Dent

Keys to the Game

For New Mexico: Halt 3-point shooting, Maximize their own 3-point shooting & Stay out of foul trouble

The Tigers made most of their money inside the arc last season, with a long history of impact players in the front court. This season should be no different with the additions of Farmer, Hunter & Young. The Lobos will need to stay out of foul trouble as Texas Southern attempted twenty free throws a game last season, good enough for 69th in the country.

Now this strength balanced out a near non-existent game beyond the arc (27.7%). But, that is where Jonathan Cisse comes in. The 6-1 combo guard averaged 16.0 PPG last season at Incarnate Word and his 40.9% on 137 3-PT attempts is a big reason why. He’ll give the Tigers a more balanced attack from the perimeter.

An attack New Mexico will need to defend the perimeter as they might not have the depth or experience to properly defend the post. While also knocking down their own attempts if their frontcourt still hasn’t found their footing yet on opening night.

Prediction: New Mexico 80, Texas Southern 72

If the Lobos have a full healthy roster on Monday night, I can see the 16-point KenPom prediction holding true. But that’s likely not going to be the case and we can’t forget transfer big man Nelly Junior-Joseph’s still getting adjusted to a late start after visa delays all offseason.

Given what we have seen in recent lineups, I think New Mexico will put a competitive team on the floor regardless of injuries. I think they’ll secure the win but may be in for a bigger fight than anticipated.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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2023 NIT: New Mexico Knocked Out Of NIT By Hot Handed Utah Valley At Home

Game Recap: Utah Valley 83, New Mexico 69 A cold shooting night dooms Lobos early. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico knocked out of the first round of the NIT by a hot handed Utah Valley. ALBUQUERQUE, NM-It’s mid-March, a joyous …

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 Game Recap: Utah Valley 83, New Mexico 69

A cold shooting night dooms Lobos early. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico knocked out of the first round of the NIT by a hot handed Utah Valley.  

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM–It’s mid-March, a joyous time for college basketball fans around the country. So with the regular season and Mountain West Conference Tournament at our backs, the lights inside the Pit were still on and Lobo basketball far from over.

This time hosting something fans aren’t particularly used to anymore. A postseason game, as a part of the NIT field.

After one of the best seasons of New Mexico basketball in quite awhile, the stage was set.

The Lobos were hoping to reward a loyal fan base, who showed out this season, with a home court postseason victory. The WAC regular season champions Utah Valley, had something else in mind.

The Wolverines balanced and efficient attack began early. Taking the 9-4 lead in the first five minutes of play, with points contributed by four different players. The Lobos responded with an 8-0 run of their own, to take the 12-9 lead, their last lead of the half.

After a KJ Jenkins layup tied things up at 14 a piece. The Wolverines would go on a scoring run, led by Justin Harmon that would give them their biggest lead of the game. A disconcerning 40-25 scoreline approaching the four minute mark.

Harmon would score 16 of his 20 first half points during this time before heading to the bench after receiving a knock in the face working in the paint.

For New Mexico, they couldnt buy a basket, especially from beyond the arc.

Big man Morris Udeze had a near double-double before halftime, with 14 points and 9 rebounds of his own.

While the Lobos star guards Jalen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr. were non-existent in the first half. With a combined 6 points off of 2-13 shooting from the floor.

As a whole the Lobos failed to knock down a single three. Which isn’t a huge shocker as it is something they’ve struggled with all year long.

But a lack of defense on a surging player like Harmon was damaging early. Giving Utah Valley the 13-point lead (46-33) heading to the locker rooms.

The Wolverines’ defense wasn’t exactly out of this world either. They logged a steal and a block in the twenty minutes. And only forced two New Mexico turnovers.

Shots just weren’t falling for the home team, which put them in a hole to dig themselves out of in the second-half.

The Wolverines opened the half with an alley oop dunk. From none other than Justin Harmon to big man Aziz Bandaogo. Giving Utah Valley a 15-point lead.

House broke the New Mexico scoring drought as he drove through the lane to make a contested layup. Giving the home crowd some signs of life.

Only to be followed up by a 7-0 run from three different Wolverines.

Mark Madsen’s squad took their largest lead of the game at the 15:44 minute mark, 59-39.

New Mexico got their first three point shot from Mashburn Jr. at around the 12:27 minute mark. Which capped a 7-0 run by the Lobos. Only to be shut down by a Tahj Small three pointer silencing an awakening Pit crowd.

The Lobos could never fully catch steam without an answer from the Wolverines. This was the storyline in the second half.

Former UNLV Runnin’ Rebel Trey Woodbury drove the lane to put down an exclamation point tomahawk slam bordering the 11:00 minute mark.

A testament to New Mexico’s defensive effort all night, as even the highly contested ones were going in for the visitors.

That slam made him the third wolverine with 10+ points on the night, while also giving his team back their 20-point lead.

The Lobos went on another 7-0 run after sparked by freshman Donovan Dent’s offense.

Before a legal screen by Utah Valley’s Tim Fuller sent Dent to floor in pain and then to the locker room early.

But that was the narrative of the night.

Utah Valley answered with yet another run of their own to keep New Mexico comfortably away.

A Jaelen House three pointer at the 7:30 mark sparked a 12-6 run that revitalized the Lobos and brought the deficit to just thirteen.

But as before, Mark Madsen’s squad responded. Extending the lead to eighteen once again, with a three pointer from their hot hand Justin Harmon.

It was the perfect storm to put an end to a great season. Utah Valley would win this one, 83-69 as the final buzzer sounded. To advance to the next round to face the Colorado Buffalos.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico:  F Morris Udeze

It was a tough way for the graduate transfer to end his collegiate career. But at least Udeze can say he gave it his all. Attacking the seven-foot Wolverine rim protector Aziz Bandaogo and finding a way to score when his teammates couldn’t.

Udeze ended the night with his 18 points and a career high 19 rebounds. While shooting 57.4% (8-14) from the floor en route to his 15th double-double of the year. He will be missed in Albuquerque next year, but it was better to have his dominating style of play for just one year in the Pit than never having had it at all.

Utah Valley:  G Justin Harmon

Even with a good shooting night it would have been hard to contain the performance the junior guard had Wednesday night. A career high 32-point performance off of 65% shooting from the floor (13-20) looked unstoppable. Scoring from deep, mid-range, floaters or driving at will. You name it, he also managed to attract all eyes on defense to free up opportunities for his teammates.

It was the perfect performance in one of college basketball’s hardest places to play. And because of it, his team’s postseason dreams are still a reality.

Two Takeaways

  • Utah Valley’s 14-point win over a top-60 (NET) New Mexico squad inside the Pit was very impressive. Of course on the back of Justin Harmon’s career night, but they did a little bit of everything right as well. Scoring at all three levels and taking advantage of the few free throw opportunities they got. They looked like a team who could make a deep run when firing on all cylinders. They deserved the win tonight.
  • It’s a very tough way to go out, out shot in your own home when absolutely nothing seems to fall. At least during the first half. It’s also tough for the players who aren’t coming back next season and fans in attendance. It’s hard to say this season was what dreams are made of. But things also have to be kept in perspective. It’s likely an analysis for another day, but the future is bright in Albuquerque, it just takes time.

Next Up:

The Lobos end the year with a 22-12, 8-10 recodd. Their first twenty win season and postseason appearance since 2014. Bar any massive exodus into the transfer portal, November should be an exciting time for fans in Albuquerque.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

2023 NIT First Round: New Mexico vs. Utah Valley-First Look At The Wolverines

2023 NIT First Round: New Mexico vs. Utah Valley-First Look At The Wolverines Who are the Wolverines? Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire The Lobos are set to host Utah Valley in the first round of the NIT. The New Mexico Lobos enjoyed a very …

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2023 NIT First Round: New Mexico vs. Utah Valley-First Look At The Wolverines

Who are the Wolverines?

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

The Lobos are set to host Utah Valley in the first round of the NIT. 

The New Mexico Lobos enjoyed a very successful year two of the Pitino era this past season in Albuquerque. With a reinvigorated community, showing up in force and a quality product on the floor the Lobos thrived.

Although, it may have seemed like all was right again in Albuquerque heading into conference play. New Mexico wasn’t immune to the strength and challenging nature of the Mountain West this season.

After boasting several big wins over the conference’s best, a February decline forced the Lobos into first day action in the Mountain West Tournament. And an quarterfinal exit against a Utah State squad that would fall to San Diego State in the finals. So, to the NIT New Mexico goes. To host the Utah Valley Wolverines on Wednesday.

Who are the Wolverines

Coach

Utah Valley is coached by head coach Mark Madsen. The 4th year lead man was a nine year NBA veteran, winning two championships as a member of the Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal led Los Angeles Lakers.

His stop in Orem is his first stint in collegiate coaching, aside from being an assistant at Stanford. Prior to that, Madsen was the head coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The Los Angeles Laker’s D-League affiliate at the time.

Madsen has lead the Wolverines to two regular season WAC Championships. Amassing a record of 67-50 (57.3%) in the process. Not to mention the 2022-2023 WAC Coach of the Year award.

Star Players

Jr. G-Le’tre Darthard (6-4, 180)

Stats: 14.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 APG & 1.2 SPG

Sr. G-Trey Woodbury (6-4, 200)

Stats: 13.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG & 40% 3FG

So. C-Aziz Bandaogo (7-0, 230)

Stats: 11.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.2 APG & 3.0 BPG

How did they get here

The Wolverines lost their WAC Player of the Year big man Fardaws Aimaq to the transfer portal last offseason. But managed to retain plenty of the rest of their production. Also finding a candidate to replace the 6-11 rebounding machine in the paint. Akron transfer Aziz Bandaogo, who managed to average a double-double to go along with 3.0 BPG, leading the WAC.

Locked and reload for the 2022-2023 season, Utah Valley managed to secure some quality road wins over in-state rival BYU (in back to back years) along with a win over Oregon in Eugene.

Priming the Wolverines for another rigorous WAC slate going forward. Where Utah Valley managed to secure the regular season crown unanimously after defeating their biggest threat Sam Houston in their only meeting on December 29th. All of this in combination with an early exit from the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas last week led a very dangerous Wolverines squad to the NIT. For their second appearance in the postseason tournament in school history.

Biggest Wins:

@-BYU 75-60

@-Oregon 77-72

At home-Sam Houston 80-64

NET:  74th

KenPom:  79th

RPI:  61st

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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2023 Mountain West Conference Tourney: New Mexico vs. Utah State

Game Preview: New Mexico vs. Utah State Utah State look to put away New Mexico for second time this season and advance. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico and Utah State meet for only the second time this season. But with so much on …

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 Game Preview: New Mexico vs. Utah State

Utah State look to put away New Mexico for second time this season and advance. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico and Utah State meet for only the second time this season. But with so much on the line. 

WHO: No. 3 seed Utah  (24-7, 13-5 T-2nd place in the MWC) vs. No. 6 seed New Mexico (22-10, 9-10 6th in the MWC)

WHEN: February 9th, 2023-9:30 PM MT/8:30 PM PT

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Stream:  CBS Sports or get a free trial on FuboTV

Odds:  Aggies are favored by 2 points, per KenPom

The Mountain West Conference has experienced a resurgence on the national stage this past season. Ranked ahead of of the ACC in the KenPom conference rankings and on the heels of the Pac-12. Competition in the conference is at an all time high.

Thursday’s late night matchup between the No. 3 seed Utah State Aggies and a revenge seeking No. 6 seed New Mexico Lobos squad should be a prime example of that.

2023 Mountain West Basketball Tournament: Bracket Set, TV Schedule, Live Stream

Last Time Out

These programs only met on the hardwood once this season. That being a 84-73 Aggie win over a red hot Lobo team in Logan back on February 1st.

Utah State had four players reach double figures in that one. As Richard Pitino’s group learned just how hard the Aggies are to beat inside the Dee Smith Spectrum (a record of 14-2 at home this season).

Utah State was led by a player with a familiar last name for Lobo fans, Sean Bairstow. Yes, the little brother of former Lobo great Cameron Bairstow in the early 2010s. The 6-8 guard and mismatch nightmare dropped 20 points and grabbed five rebounds to help his team secure the win over a quality Lobo squad at home.

New Mexico 

Now the Lobos are out for revenge. Or maybe more of a convincing win to show onlookers of the conference, they are as dangerous as ever. With wins over some of the conference’s best and maybe the best non-conference performance this season, New Mexico is the dark horse candidate everyone doesn’t want to see on their side of the bracket this week.

After a come from behind 87-76 win over a pesky Wyoming squad in the first round on Wednesday afternoon. The Lobos are riding high on their winning momentum and when hot, can beat any team in the Mountain West.

They play their best basketball when their three-headed attack of Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr. & Morris Udeze catch fire. While playing at a high tempo full of fast breaks and points in the paint.

Utah State

The Aggies haven’t missed a beat in the post Craig Smith era in Logan. Ryan Odom came over from UMBC after success in the big dance. And in just year two, has Utah State back in the title race conversation. They do so, with arguably the best offense in the Mountain West.

They have five players averaging double figures, the unanimous Mountain West 6th Man of the Year in Dan Akin and shoot the three ball at a high rate.

The Lobos also have one of the best offenses in the conference, but the Aggies themselves have the depth and know how to get the ball to whichever hand is the hottest every night. A program this bought into playing team basketball can beat anybody any given night.

Players to Watch

New Mexico: Sr. G Jaelen House

Jaelen House showed last night just how much he can impact the floor for New Mexico. The 6-0 floor general is usually sparking fast breaks off turnovers, disrupting ball movement at the top of the arc all while putting points on the board to the tune of 28 points, 7 rebounds & 6 assists in Wednesdays win over Wyoming.

When House is hot, the Lobos are hot and his 17.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.0 RPG & 2.6 SPG show the damage he can do when healthy and hungry for his team to succeed. Four games in four days is a lot to ask of a player like House, who makes folks watching him at home tired from his style of play. But he is also mentally driven to win. Which can be the x-factor for an upset Thursday night.

Utah State: Jr. G Steven Ashworth

The Alpine, UT native has taken charge of leading this surging Aggies program. Like several local high scoring guards before him, Ashworth, who was named to the all-conference first team yesterday. Is the offensive catalyst on the conference’s best offensive team.

The 6-1 floor general is averaging 16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.4 RPG & 1.1 SPG while shooting 46.7% from the floor, a whopping 45.0% from deep and a marvelous 88.9% from the charity stripe.

Not to mention a mere 1.5 turnovers a game as the team’s leading scorer and facilitator.

If the rest from the Aggies’ first round bye has done Ashworth well and he brought his A game to Vegas, I see him in the title game with San Diego State on Saturday.

Prediction: Utah State 80, New Mexico 75

I would love to see the Lobos make the Thomas and Mack Center the “Pit West” again by cutting down the nets on Saturday. But with such a reliance on their three leading scorers and such a short bench. It would take a poor performance from several of Utah State’s players and a perfect defensive effort by New Mexico to secure the upset.

I think the fight and energy the Lobos displayed in the first round keeps it close. But with rest and so much fire power on Coach Odom’s squad, I see them advancing for a showdown with the team they tied for second in the regular season with.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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2023 MWC Tournament: Lobos Push Past Wyoming To Advance To Quarterfinals

Game Recap: New Mexico 87, Wyoming 76 House helps Lobos bring “The Pit West” label back to Vegas. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico’s three-man offensive attack shows out against Wyoming, advances to quarterfinals. Las Vegas, …

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 Game Recap: New Mexico 87, Wyoming 76

House helps Lobos bring “The Pit West” label back to Vegas.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico’s three-man offensive attack shows out against Wyoming, advances to quarterfinals. 

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Las Vegas, NV–Rounding out Mountain West Conference action on the men’s side was a doozy. New Mexico versus Wyoming, both squads hitting the hardwood on day one of the festivities inside the Thomas and Mack Center. When both likely thought their respective seasons would have had very different endings with much higher seeds.

Still, the stage was set. The Lobos having not won a game inside “The Pit West” in three years. Nor have they advanced past the first round of the tournament since the 2019-2020 season. While Wyoming faithful thought their season would have turned out much different, but hoping for some underdog luck. All involved know this is March and anything is possible.

Things began as expected, Wyoming came out swinging. With a short bench but showing no fatigue from a grueling and long season. Ball movement and assists were in short supply (only 3 assists to 2 turnovers). Instead solid defense and 20 points on 5-10 shooting (including 3-4 from deep) and 7-9 from the free throw line from Hunter Maldonado led the way.

His first-half performance put the Cowboys ahead of New Mexico 38-35 going into the halftime break. But, even with a solid game plan that exploited the few weaknesses of their opponents. An offensive outburst by a dangerous Lobo squad out of the gate was too much to overcome.

The Lobos fixed a problem that had plagued them all season long. Slow starts out of half-time and lapses in defense. That wasn’t an issue for coach Pitino’s side as they were firing on all cylinders against the Cowboys. Outscoring Wyoming 52-38 in the second-half, including 40 points from their big 3. While making defensive stops on every other Cowboy on the floor without the last name Maldonado.

A 32-16 run with eight minutes left in the game gave Richard Pitino’s squad the spark they needed. While it also gave Wyoming’s hot hand some motivation of his own, not letting up en route to a career high. Though nearing the four minute mark, the Lobos took their biggest lead of the game, 76-61 and with very little going wrong for a surging New Mexico.

Hunter Maldonado fouled out with about a minute left, after a career high 36 points. Emotions ran high, as the redshirt senior was understandably upset as he was doing everything he could to help his team win on Wednesday night.

After that others like Xavier DuSell and Jeremiah Oden did their best to continue chasing the Lobos in hopes of a March Madness miracle, but Lobos held out.

With a high scoring trio of Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Morris Udeze being responsible for 74.7% (65/87) of the team’s final tally. Playing with energy and conviction missing during the month of February.

Securing the 87-76 win over, what New Mexico Head coach described as an extremely tough eleven seed. Another testament to just how strong of a conference the Mountain West has been this season.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico:  Sr. G Jaelen House

New Mexico’s three-headed attack makes player of the game/player spotlight selections so difficult. All year long, three Lobos usually score 15+ points a game or make the game winning shot. But all year long, Jaelen House has been the Lobo catalyst, on both sides of the ball.

Wednesday afternoon was no different for the senior floor general. His team high 28 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and three steals were just what the doctor ordered. Shooting 53.3% (8-15) from the floor and a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line, House led his team out of the desert and further towards the promise land.

“I don’t want to go home. I want to get to the tournament, and all we got to do is win. So that’s what we’re going to do.” said House in the postgame

Wyoming:  R-Sr. G Hunter Maldonado

Maldonado will go down as a Mountain West great after a storied career in Laramie. After putting his name in the conference record books this season as the Mountain West’s all-time leader in assists. His last trip to Las Vegas was surely going to be a show.

Even though his team didn’t come out with the win, Maldonado’s last hurrah was still a great cherry on top of a great collegiate career.

Contributing a career high 36 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists on 57.8% (11-19) from the floor, 66.6% (4-6) and 83.3% (10-12) from the free throw line. To say he left everything on the floor is an understatement.

Four Takeaways

  • Both teams quite frankly did not disappoint. New Mexico is a dark horse favorite for media and fans of the conference nationwide. They have the offensive fire power to make a run to the championship game. And a playing style made to build endurance, even if four wins in four games is a lot to ask.
  • While Wyoming honestly gave it all they had left in the tank. You couldn’t ask more of a team who has been decimated by injuries the way the Cowboys have. They never let up and their leaders led this team all the way to the final second of their season, that’s impressive. Definitely giving fans in Laramie all of the hope for years to come that they have the right man in charge of their program.
  • New Mexico has given fans in Albuquerque an emotional rollercoaster of a season this year. A massive turnaround of the program has helped fans pour into The Pit in droves this year. But multiple buzzer beater losses and unexpected losing skids have rattled the Lobo faithful. Who themselves have several past coaching tenures they’d love to get out of their mind sooner rather than later. Wednesday’s win over Wyoming really reignites a supportive fanbase during the best month of the year for college basketball fans, The Pit West is back.
  • Hunter Maldonado leaves the floor as one of the all-time great Cowboys and Mountain West players after his six year career in Laramie. Fans around the country may rejoice that the 6-7 swiss army knife floor general will no longer be suiting up for Wyoming going forward. But loves of the game will surely miss him. Maldonado had the ability to facilitate offense like a conductor of a symphony when he had targets like Drake Jefferies & Graham Ike last season to pass to. As well as take over a game as fans were reminded inside the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday against the Lobos. His potential as a future professional is high, something for everyone around the program to rejoice in after a hard fought loss.

Next Up:

The Lobos (22-10, 9-10) get the job done and advance, out of the first round for the first time in two years. A performance reminiscent of a Lobo squad nearly a decade earlier, momentum for tomorrow’s quarterfinal showdown with No. 3 seed Utah State is high.

“We were offensively phenomenal in the second half. When we are clicking like that, we are really hard to stop.” coach Pitino

New Mexico is looking for a revenge win over an Aggie team that sparked a four game losing streak for coach Pitino’s squad back in February. Tip-off is schedule for 9:30 PM MT/8:30 PM PT and can be viewed on CBS Sports Network.

While the Cowboys (9-22, 4-15) are heading home early. After an amazing effort during a really challenging season to persevere through. Fans can continue to wonder, what would have happened in one last season of Ike and  Maldonado healthy and on the floor could have been.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

2023 Mountain West Conference Tourney: No. 6 New Mexico vs. No. 11 Wyoming

New Mexico vs. Wyoming: Preview Both squads hoping for some March Madness Magic on Wednesday. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Cowboys & Lobos take the best of three approach in first round of Mountain West Conference Tournament. WHO: No. 6 …

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New Mexico vs. Wyoming: Preview

Both squads hoping for some March Madness Magic on Wednesday.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Cowboys & Lobos take the best of three approach in first round of Mountain West Conference Tournament.

WHO: No. 6 seed New Mexico (21-10, 8-10 6th in the MWC), No. 11 seed Wyoming Cowboys (9-21, 4-11 last place in the MWC)

WHEN: February 8th, 2023-5:00 PM MT/4:00 PM PT

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Stream:  Mountain West Network

Odds:  Lobos favored by 9 points, per KenPom

Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went. While the shortest month of the year lived up to it’s reputation. Before we knew it March Madness had arrived. With all teams heading for Las Vegas for four straight days of basketball.

This season was an absolute battle field for all teams involved in conference play. Night in and night out, anyone was capable of being beaten. San Diego State beats Nevada, while New Mexico beats San Diego State, while ultimately Nevada sweeps New Mexico.

That pattern was repeated all across the Mountain West. Hopefully some of that firepower and upset potential makes it’s way to the Thomas & Mack Center this week.

Rounding out the tournament action on day one are two teams that made conference play very interesting this year. The New Mexico Lobos who came in red hot and eventually sizzled out for a mid-table season finish. And the Wyoming Cowboys who fell very short of the preseason hype and expectation fell far. All the way to the conference cellar this year.

In a down year for Wyoming, the Cowboys played some of their best basketball against the Lobos each time they met on the hardwood. They split the series this year in spectacular fashion.

A down to the wire thriller in Laramie that was nearly the Lobos’ first loss of the season. To be followed up by a 14-point road win on Valentine’s day inside a jumping Pit.

Both teams also posted upsets over several league leaders in conference play, each program battle now tested and ready to put on a show.

New Mexico

The Lobos hit the road to Las Vegas as the No. 6 seed in the tournament. A strong start to the 2022-2023 season, which included an undefeated conference slate, several weeks in the AP top-25 & sell out crowds.

It truly felt like a reemergence of Lobo basketball, in just the second year of head coach Richard Pitino’s time in Albuquerque.

Led by a three-headed monster in graduate transfer Morris Udeze, Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House. New Mexico thrives when those three are locked and loaded on both sides of the ball. With an up tempo preference and majority of their points coming inside the paint and from the free throw line. Ask any team inside the top-5 (with the exception of Utah State), the Lobos can play.

The Lobos haven’t advanced past the first round of the tournament since the 2019-2020 season. A win over Wyoming sending them to the quarterfinals will be yet another example of Pitino’s progress with the New Mexico program.

Wyoming

Wyoming was meant to challenge for a conference championship this season. With the preseason Player of the Year Graham Ike and senior swiss army knife Hunter Maldonado returning to lead a deep roster with veterans and high major transfers alike. Big things were expected in Laramie.

But, maybe one of the worst cases of the injury bug in a program combined with the departure of Jeff Linder’s Pac-12 imports last month placed them in dead last in the conference.

Even given the skeleton roster going into March, coach Linder boasts one of the best players in the conference in Maldonado. And players like Jeremiah Oden, Xavier DuSell & Brendan Wenzel are capable of scoring in double-digits too, especially with an unselfish 6-7 point guard dishing out assists.

The Cowboys, like most are hoping for any resemblance of an encore performance to last year’s squad in March. A Ike led Wyoming team fell in the semifinals to eventual champion Boise State, but then went on to Dayton as an at-large bid in the tournament. The likelihood that happens again is slim, but this is March, anything is possible.

Last Time  Out 

The Cowboys were able to secure some homecourt revenge over the Lobos in Albuquerque in their last meeting of the regular season. Wyoming was led by their pair of Hunters in that one.

With Hunter Maldonado logging a game high 20 points, 10 rebounds & 5 assists, while shooting 46.2% from the floor & 88.9% from the charity stripe. Hunter Thompson helped secure the road upset by contributing 12 points & 5 rebounds that night but also knocking down four threes.

The Lobos were without star floor general Jaelen House in that rematch. After suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of half of New Mexico’s four game losing streak during the beginning of February. Mashburn Jr. chipped in 15 points in that loss while Udeze posted a double-double of 12 points & 17 rebounds.

Players to Watch

New Mexico

Gr. F Morris Udeze

The now media voted Mountain West Newcomer of the Year has indeed held true to that accolade this season. Since transferring from Wichita State last season, the big man has anchored the Lobo frontcourt. As a double-double machine and down low bully at 6-8, 240.

With a league leading 12 double-doubles this season, Udeze is averaging 16.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.3 APG while shooting 62.1% from the floor.

Udeze has been consistent for the Lobos throughout the season. Only failing to score in double figures, all 31 games and nearly 1,000 minutes on the court. Especially as of late, averaging 22.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG & shooting 73.7% from the floor and an improved 73.7% from the free throw line.

Sr. G Jaelen House

House worked his way into the all-conference first team this week after a stellar season, leading one of the Mountain West’s most resurgent programs. The 6-0 floor general has made his mark on the Lobo program ever since arriving from Arizona State two seasons ago. Currently averaging 16.8 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.9 RPG & a league leading 2.6 SPG, House’s impact on the floor doesn’t go unnoticed.

As the first one on the floor diving for loose balls, the first one down the floor on fast break opportunities, House plays with intensity. He can also score at all three levels but excels when the game is fast on both ends. His backcourt teammate Jamal Mashburn Jr. leads the team in scoring, but House receives this spotlight simply for how much he does for the Lobos. When he is hot, New Mexico is a winner.

Wyoming

Sr. G Hunter Maldonado

The new all-time Mountain West Conference assist leader (627) and very likely all-time Cowboy great is dangerous with the ball in his hands. The 6-7 guard who can play positions 1-4, is averaging 14.8 PPG & 4.8 RPG in 28 games (all starts) this season.

As a scorer, capable of driving to the basket, drawing fouls and making the contested jumper. He does it all, including dishing the ball out (4.1 APG) and maintaining a defensive at the top of the key (1.4 SPG).

To say this team isn’t run through Maldonado would be a crime. And a big game from the redshirt senior could be the x-factor needed to sink the Lobos good season for good.

Sr. F Hunter Thompson

Possibly dubbed the other Hunter, or maybe the home state Hunter has managed to stave off all newcomers to secure his minutes on the floor this season. With preseason POY candidate Graham Ike suffering a season ending right foot injury, Thompson has attempted to fill the void. It’s a huge one, filled with energy in the paint, rebounds galore and a knack for scoring around the basket in droves.

Thompson has done his part, with a modest 6.8 PPG & 5.4 RPG in 25 games (all starts) this season. The most important aspect of his game though is his floor spacing ability. Averaging 1.6 made 3FGs a game on 5.0 attempts (31.7%), the 6-10 forward from Pine Bluffs is dangerous if he finds his rhythm. He played a big role in Wyoming’s 70-56 win over New Mexico on the road last month.

Prediction

New Mexico 75, Wyoming 70

This is a tough one to call, given the results of both regular season matches between these two. With short benches and less than optimal play as of late, I go to the stat sheets. To me New Mexico just has more fire power at the moment and if everything is cooking tomorrow afternoon and the Lobos get to dictate the tempo, it’s a no brainer. It will be close, but I see coach Pitino’s squad advancing in this one.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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How Can New Mexico Win The Mountain West Championship?

How Can New Mexico Win The Mountain West Championship? Coach Pitino’s squad have real dark horse candidate potential to cut nets down in Las Vegas. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico looks to use battle tested stars to make a run in …

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 How Can New Mexico Win The Mountain West Championship?

Coach Pitino’s squad have real dark horse candidate potential to cut nets down in Las Vegas.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico looks to use battle tested stars to make a run in Las Vegas.

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March is here folks, and around the country tickets are getting punched and teams are going into overdrive. With games on the docket everyday for the next four days, we dive right in.

A team more primed to make a dark horse run to the championship game on Saturday you ask? An easy answer to that question is the New Mexico Lobos. Richard Pitino’s program has enjoyed a near one hundred and eighty degree turn around in just year two of the coache’s tenure. The Lobos logged their best start to the season in over five decades in 2022-2023.

Highlighted by an undefeated non-conference slate, several weeks in the AP Top-25 and “upsets” over several top-5 teams in the conference standings, including the regular season champions on the road. All of this though, to be overshadowed by a 6th place finish, mainly related to a collapse in early-to-mid February resulting in a four game losing streak.

The Mountain West Conference was an absolute gauntlet this year. The phrase “nobody is safe” typed countlessly in tweets and uttered on nationally televised broadcasts weekly. The Lobos fell victim to it but played their part as well.

But as previously stated, this is March. And tournament runs during this month are what drives this sport. New Mexico, like any of the other ten teams making the trip has a chance to punch their first ticket to the big dance in slightly under a decade, here’s why.

The Lobos road to the championship game on Saturday is definitely not an easy one. As they failed to secure the sweep on any team on their side of the bracket during conference play. Instead taking splits with Air Force, Boise State and Wyoming. While suffering losses in their one game showdowns against UNLV and Utah State.

But this team has the all-conference caliber star power who can score with the best of them any given night, key role players finding their rhythm at the perfect time and a team bought into their programs vision. Not to mention a squad at full strength, as floor general and the team’s second leading scorer Jaelen House was injured for half of that aforementioned four game slide down the standings.

Also keep in mind, of New Mexico’s ten losses this season, five of those were two possession losses or lost by five or fewer points. Let’s say the Lobos were able to push through and secure those wins, you are looking at a team fighting for a piece of the regular season title.

Hypotheticals aside, it will take four straight wins for the Lobos to secure their trip to the NCAA Tournament. But given the uncertainty of the game this time of year, it’s better to focus one the near surefire games in front of them. As their first opponent, Wyoming, has posed a threat to New Mexico of late.

With an appropriate 14-point Valentine’s Day win over the Lobos inside the Pit. Their a team, like their first round counterpart has a lack of true depth off of the bench. Weakened by injury and a mass exodus of their “Pac-12 talent” this past month.

If the same New Mexico squad we saw in the first-half of conference play (6-3 & vying for a top-3 conference spot each night) shows up to Sin City, this should be a solid W. Next up is a tougher task, a Utah State team that tied for second place in the conference. Who also gave the Lobos their first loss in the month of February, with a double-digit momentum killer inside the Dee Smith Spectrum.

The Aggies have five players that average double-digits, including the Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year (voted by the media) Dan Akin. Giving this Utah State team, one of the top-two offenses in the conference. The other you may ask? Richard Pitino’s New Mexico.

Where the Aggies hold the advantage is a slightly better defense that helps when things aren’t exactly going your way. While the Lobos excel in run and gun situations, scoring points off of turnovers and getting to the line.

With an off night from of Ryan Odom’s stars and or a truly great defensive performance by New Mexico on Wednesday, the upset potential is high.

New Mexico faces Wyoming in their first round matchup on Wednesday March 8th. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM MT inside the Thomas & Mack Center and can be streamed on the Mountain West Network.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

The Rio Grande Rivalry: Preview, How To Stream, Odds & More

New Mexico vs. New Mexico State: Preview The Lobos are looking to sweep their in-state rivals this season, they have the squad to do just that. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire A surging New Mexico Lobos squad hosts in-state rivals New Mexico …

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New Mexico vs. New Mexico State: Preview

The Lobos are looking to sweep their in-state rivals this season, they have the squad to do just that.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

A surging New Mexico Lobos squad hosts in-state rivals New Mexico State in first installment of the season.

WHO: New Mexico (3-0, 0-0 in the MWC) vs. New Mexico State (1-1, 0-0 in the WAC)

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th, 5:00 PM MT

WHERE: University Arena AKA “The Pit”, Albuquerque, NM

STREAM: Mountain West Network

Line: KenPom, The Lobos are favored by 5 points

SERIES RECORD: New Mexico leads all-time series 124-102

For college basketball fans in the Land of Enchantment, the always highly anticipated Rio Grande Rivalry is a circled date on the calendar annually. Both programs always make things interesting, no matter the rankings and no matter the head coaches.

A sweep in the series is coveted and tough to achieve. Not too hard for former head coach Chris Jans, now at Mississippi State after last season’s NCAA Tournament run with the Aggies. Jans went 5-3 against the Lobos during his time in Las Cruces. Including two sweeps and four straight wins in his first two seasons. First year Aggies head coach Greg Heiar is looking to put his mark on the state’s biggest rivalry.

New Mexico comes home after a fruitful road trip to Dallas, TX. Securing a quality 83-64 win against SMU inside Moody Coliseum. This statement win puts the Lobos at 3-0 on the season. And with favoring confidence as well as momentum heading into their weekend rivalry match up.

Second year head coach Richard Pitino’s squad is really modeling that Mountain West Sleeper tag given to them in preseason coverage. A win Saturday could for the most part cement that label and put the team in great shape heading into next week and to host the Lobo Classic.

Their counterparts, the New Mexico State Aggies are in a bit of a rebuilding mode this season. Although it’s hard to call a squad with two former SEC starting guards and a Junior College First Team All-American “a rebuild”. Still, losing three time WAC Coach of the Year Chris Jans and nearly the entire roster from last season’s historic squad is tough. And the transition pains are already showing.

The Aggies are 1-1 through two games thus far. With a 49-point win over D-II opponent New Mexico Highlands in the season opener. And then a more revealing 67-64 loss on the road to I-25 rival UTEP, inside Don Haskins Arena last Saturday.

With such a heralded recruiting class, and ties to the same coaching tree coach Jans hailed from. Expectations haven’t changed in Las Cruces for coach Heiar. That means the pressure to win is on. And winning against your two rivals is a must. Already down 0-1 in that category, Saturday could either be a huge boost to morale inside the program or a nuclear bomb.

The last time these two programs met on the hardwood was Dec. 6th of last year. The Aggies secured a 76-74 revenge win inside the Pit after the Lobos secured a. Most of New Mexico State’s squad is gone from that series, and several key Lobos have yet to play in minute in this rivalry. But coach Pitino is 1-1 against their southern neighbors. While his star backcourt, Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr. average 48.5 PPG combined against the Aggies.

Players to Watch:

G Jaelen House–New Mexico

The Lobos floor general and spark plug has helped lead New Mexico into the national spotlight after their 21-point road win on Tuesday. The 6-0 senior guard is averaging team best in scoring (20.7 PPG), assists (6.3 APG) & steals (3.3 SPG) through three contests. For those who have not yet caught a glimpse of him. House is a lightening quick, gritty do it all floor general for the Lobos.

With the ability to drive through traffic, shoot the open three and get down hill at will. He’s also a very capable distributor and perimeter defender. But he will face some very difficult defensive foes Saturday. In either Xavier Pinson, DaJuan Gordon or Deshawndre Washington. All lengthy, quick and strong. Well it’s a good thing House has help, to take the attention away from him for just long enough. Just look at highlights from his performance at SMU, most of his damage was done in the second-half.

G Deshawndre Washington–New Mexico State

House’s counterpart you may ask? The 6-7 Aggie floor general and swiss army knife Deshawndre Washington. The Juco transfer apparently spurned high major offers to follow his head coach from Northwest Florida State to Las Cruces this offseason. The Chicago, IL native headlined a monster recruiting class that gave fans and media following the Aggie program confidence in the transition between coaching staffs.

Washington like House has an effective partner in the backcourt, former LSU starter Xavier Pinson. Averaging 4.5 APG over two games, plenty of those looks find their way to Washington. With his frame, athleticism and skill set. The point forward can do a little bit of everything from the floor. Averaging 17.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 6.0 APG & 1.5 SPG through two games. While posting a triple-double in the Aggies’ season opener and double-double at UTEP.

Keys to the Game

For New Mexico: A balanced attack, Create turnovers & Stay out of foul trouble

In the Lobos’ recent thrashing of SMU on the road in Dallas, it seemed as if everything was going right for coach Pitino’s squad. To secure the first win of this rivalry series, New Mexico is going to have to provide fans an encore performance at home Saturday afternoon.

They’ll have to create turnovers and find a way to maximize those opportunities as they did in Dallas (20 points off of 15 forced turnovers). The Aggies themselves appear to be struggling with ball handling issues at the moment. With 20 turnovers to a mere 8 assists in their road loss in El Paso. The Lobos will also have to minimize defensive fouls as they did against SMU as well (only 16 Lobo fouls). To help keep their best players on the court. As New Mexico’s starters account for nearly 83.8% of the teams total scoring average at the moment.

Lastly they’ll need a balanced offensive attack against the Aggies. By balanced I don’t mean contributions from multiple players. I mean finding a way to get buckets at all speeds. The Lobos have a near top-30 fast paced playing tempo (per KenPom) in the entire country. The Aggies are not to far behind (138th) and have very capable players who could thrive in the open court.

New Mexico will have to find a way to keep their offensive tempo balanced. If their forced into a relay race or even worse a hacking contest to see who can make the most free throws to win, their in trouble.

For New Mexico State: Protect the paint, Attack the rim & Limit turnovers.

The Aggies may have had more time off to rest before Saturday’s showdown. But the momentum is almost all on the Lobos side. The visiting squad needs to find a way to protect the paint, attack the rim and play with stable ball control.

As mentioned above, the Lobos play fast. And a part of that fast game is having their guards drive to the rim, take mid-range jumpers and get the ball to their bigs. The Lobos take 70.1% of their shots from inside the arc, and make an even higher rate of those shots versus three pointers (79.9%). Coach Heiar’s squad won’t be able to be the Lobos at their own game, but slowing things down and protecting the paint could force the Lobos to attempt three point shots. An area they do lack in, making just 6.0 three-point field goals a game while shooting 32.7% from distance.

Attacking the rim may also be the key to an upset on the road. And attacking the rim and putting their starting bigs in foul trouble could hurt. New Mexico doesn’t have the most deepest frontcourt depth coming off of the bench. Removing their double-digit scoring starting frontcourt could really hurt their scoring efficiency and force House and Jamal Mashburn Jr. into tougher shots. Lastly, take good care of the ball. The Lobos thrived off of forcing turnovers last game and it could have well been the Aggies kryptonite. If they protect the ball, New Mexico State should even the playing field.

Prediction: New Mexico 78, New Mexico State 73

The KenPom line in this one is a five-point Lobo win at home. Given New Mexico’s run of form and home court advantage, I think it’s going to be a close one but a Lobo win nonetheless.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Lobos Secure Huge Road Win at SMU: New Mexico 84, SMU 63

Game Recap: New Mexico 84, SMU 63 Josiah Allick helps lead Lobo attack in double-digit road win. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico posts 21-point road win over SMU, lead by four Lobos in double figures DALLAS, TX-The New Mexico …

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 Game Recap: New Mexico 84, SMU 63

Josiah Allick helps lead Lobo attack in double-digit road win. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico posts 21-point road win over SMU, lead by four Lobos in double figures

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DALLAS, TX–The New Mexico Lobos are living up to every bit of preseason hype they received by national media. Dubbed The Sleeper of the Mountain West Conference. The pieces are coming together early for head coach Richard Pitino, and his program is becoming a date on the calendar no opponent is looking forward to at the moment.

Two wins to start the season over an up and coming Southern Utah program. As well as a Southern Alabama squad, who will challenge for a Sun Belt Conference regular season title this year says quite a bit.

But, those quality wins at home inside one of the greatest home court advantages in the country are one thing. Taking things on the road Tuesday night was going to be a true test to just how far this team has come.

The Lobos traveled east to face a SMU Mustangs program in a bit of a rebuilding year. Longtime head coach Tim Jankovich announced his retirement in late March, with his successor Rob Lanier was named his successor shortly after.

That came after a successful season at Georgia State, which saw the Panthers make a run to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship and a punched ticket to face #1 seeded Gonzaga in the first round.

The visiting Lobos really hit the ground running inside Moody Coliseum. Leading the game for all but about four minutes early on. Spearheaded by efficient defense, careful ball handling and a balanced attack. New Mexico forced 15 turnovers (11 in the first-half) and capitalized with 20 scored points on those turnovers. While themselves dishing out 21 assists to just 10 of their own turnovers.

Now, the offensive attack wasn’t exactly balanced. As the Lobos shot a poor 29.4% from three-point range, but scoring contributions came from all over the roster in this one. With the Lobos’ leading man for majority of the night being post player Josiah Allick. One of four Lobos to reach double-digit scoring (18 points) alongside Jaelen House (18 points), Jamal Mashburn Jr. (16 points) and Morris Udeze (15 points).

All of this fire power, helped New Mexico shoot a whopping 52.5% from the field. Helping secure one of their biggest wins of the Richard Pitino era.

The score may not reflect it, but the Mustangs still gave the Lobos some fight Tuesday night. Led by sophomore guard Zhuric Phelps, who led the Mustangs with 16 points. And a press felt by the Lobos’ ballhandlers for the full range of the court and all night.

The Lobos 21-point road win against a team of Southern Methodist’s caliber feels very nostalgic for Lobo fans. It’s been quite awhile since the program had such a winning momentum. And lived up to the preseason hype. But still, it’s very early in the season and another huge test in their non-conference slate waiting for them back in Albuquerque this weekend.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico: Sr. F Josiah Allick

A big focus of coach Pitino this offseason was getting his high scoring duo of House and Mashburn Jr. some support on the scoreboard. Another element lacking from last season’s squad was points in the paint, insert Josiah Allick.

The 6-8 transfer forward from Kansas City looked like an all-league caliber forward Tuesday night in Dallas. Leading the Lobo attack most of the night, Allick finished with 18 points (8-9 from the floor, 88.9%), 9 rebounds & 2 blocked shots in just under thirty minutes of play. He was getting it done from multiple spots on the court. Running the floor, posting up in the paint and of course attacking the rim.

He and fellow transfer forward Morris Udeze are a powerful one-two punch in the frontcourt for coach Pitino. Which perfectly complements his star studded backcourt of Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr.

Southern Methodist: So. G Zhuric Phelps

SMU struggled most of the night, on both sides of the ball. But Phelps was one Mustang who never took his foot off of the gas against the Lobos. Finishing the night with 16 points, 3 assists, 1 rebounds & 1 steal in just 27 minutes on the floor. While shooting 5-11 from the floor (45.5%) and 5-7 (71.4%) from the free throw line.

Phelps really challenged the Lobo backcourt to stay on top of their defensive assignments. With quality shot selection and smart play when drawing some of the few fouls called against New Mexico all night.

Three Takeaways

  • The Lobos look like the real deal after this quality road win. Of course SMU isn’t the exact same program that has challenged for the top spot in the American the last few seasons. But a quality road win nonetheless. As New Mexico was 2-12 away from the Pit last season, so progress in their first true road test of the season is progress.
  • Once again, the fact that this team is now capable of getting their scoring from other players besides just House and Mashburn is huge. I mean, house didn’t pass the double-digit threshold until well into the second-half. Where he once again took over the game with his speed, high motor and ability to get to the bucket, fouled or not (9-10 on FTs). But say Allick didn’t have his first half performance, the game would have been a lot closer and more of a dogfight given very similar statistics on both sides.
  • KJ Jenkins is really putting forward his name for Mountain West 6th Man of the Year early on. With 8 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds & 3 steals in just 19 minutes off of the bench, Jenkins look good when he’s on the floor. Contributing with shots, distributing, rebounding as always and now playing defense. Even though he is still struggling to find his three point shot this season (4-13 through three games), he’s certainly the sparkplug off of the bench the this team needs.

Next Up:

The Lobos head home to prepare for this year’s first installment of the Rio Grande Rivalry. As they host the New Mexico State Aggies Saturday the 15th at 5:00 PM. That matchup tips-off  the Mountain West Network and is must see streaming for all fanbases involved.

The Lobos are playing some of their best basketball in years. While the Aggies displayed some growing pains in their recent down to the wire loss at fellow rival UTEP over the weekend. This is a big test for coach Pitino and his revamped program. A win Saturday may let the rest of the Mountain West know they’ve returned.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Lobos Open The Season With Win At Home : New Mexico 89, Southern Utah 81

[jwplayer TtpJIvlc-sNi3MVSU] Game Recap: New Mexico 89, Southern Utah 81 New Mexico holds off the Thunderbirds in 2022-2023 season opener. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Jaelen House helps lead the Lobos past a pesky Southern Utah team in …

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 Game Recap: New Mexico 89, Southern Utah 81

New Mexico holds off the Thunderbirds in 2022-2023 season opener. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Jaelen House helps lead the Lobos past a pesky Southern Utah team in season opener

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM–The New Mexico Lobos kicked off their 2022-2023 college basketball season Monday night. As they played host to Todd Simon and his Southern Utah Thunderbirds.

There has been plenty of hype surrounding the Lobos program this offseason. With the return of five of their top six scorers and six players who started ten games of more last season. Not to mention what many called a successful transfer class filled with the very thing New Mexico lacked last season, experienced bigs. Everything in Albuquerque seemed primed for a Lobo resurgence.

So fast forward to opening night, with an up and coming Southern Utah squad making their first trip back to the Pit since 2007. Plenty has changed since then, the Thunderbirds are on their third conference. Currently in their inaugural season in the revamped WAC, after spending a decade in the Big Sky Conference. Former UNLV assistant and interim head coach Todd Simon is building Southern Utah into quite the formidable foe, the Lobos experienced that Monday night.

The first game of the season will always bring jitters and display some sloppy gameplay. Practicing all summer will hardly ever prepare you for live action in front of thousands of fans inside The Pit. The Lobos took control early, leading the Thunderbirds almost the entire night and only tied for less than a minute. New Mexico’s athletic dominance was on display early, but their high intensity play on both ends led to foul trouble for all involved. A grand total of 50 fouls were called all night, and the Lobos response to the referees whistle on both sides of the ball was what led to the victory at home.

Big runs from a few players kept Southern Utah in the game. That and how each team dealt with fouls all night long. In the first half the Thunderbirds drew plenty, and executed going 7-8 on free ones. While the Lobos shot similarly throughout the night, around 66.7% both halves. And while the home team struggled regularly. They were able to draw contact and get to the free throw line nearly three times as much as their visitors. Giving the Lobos the slight edge in what was otherwise a toe-for-toe shootout, with very whistle happy officials.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico: Jaelen House

With

Southern Utah: Tevian Jones

The Thunderbirds never waivered. And even though the Lobo lead reached double digits multiple times Monday night, senior guard Tevian Jones led the attack. The 6-7 former Big Ten guard at Illinois has been what you can imagine a high major transplant in mid-major basketball would be, fun to watch. His big time frame and athleticism combined with guard skills have earned him All-Big Sky Conference honors twice since arriving in Cedar City and Monday’s display of scoring shows why.

Jones started this one out very cold, logging only 4 points in the first half off of 1-3 shooting from the field and going 0-2 from deep. He would come out after halftime like a man possessed, logging a quick 10 points in the first five minutes of the second half.

Keeping his squad in the game single handedly at times, Jones (6-7, 197) utilized his six inch height advantage over the Lobos’ best defender Jamal Mashburn Jr. (6-2, 195). Although Mashburn made Jones reach into his bag of tricks and make tough shots, he in turn drained his fare share of those shots.

The preseason All-WAC First Team selection showed just what foes in conference play are not looking forward to later this year. Jones turned it on, when his team needed it most. Finishing with a game-high 28 points & 5 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field and 50% from three point territory, all in just twenty four minutes. And that’s why he gets out Southern Utah highlighted player of the game.

Five Takeaways

  • The Lobos don’t appear to have as much frontcourt depth as we may have hoped for at the moment. Sophomore Swedish big man Sebastian Forsling was held out of Monday night’s matchup with ankle injury. Also on the sidelines in plain clothes was redshirt junior guard Emmanuel Kuac, who often gets minutes in the paint. With that, early foul trouble for the rest of the Lobo big men caused them to play reserved. Avoiding fouling out of the game and decreasing a defensive intensity that gave them the edge early on.
  • Freshman point guard Donovan Dent is the real deal and provided relief for primary ball handlers Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr. Monday night and turned in a solid performance. The 6-2 true freshman from Riverside, CA saw 11 minutes of action against the Thunderbirds. Logging just 2 points but grabbing an offensive board and logged 3 assists with 0 turnovers in that time. Where he displayed room for improvement was his work at the charity stripe. Showing an ability to draw contact, but contributing to the Lobos woes from the free throw line overall (24-36, 66.7%) with a 2-5 performance.
  • The Lobos new frontcourt, compliments of the transfer portal proved formidable and maybe just the right mix of both worlds against the Thunderbirds. While graduate transfer Morris Udeze made his impact on the score, contributing 14 points on the night as the Lobos third double digit scorer. Fellow transfer forward Josiah Allick logged no points but made up in an area Udeze lacked with 8 rebounds and a blocked shot in his 21 minutes of play. Yes both are different types of bigs, but a little more contributions from each player where they lacked Monday night could really propel the Lobos forward.
  • The one-two punch of Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr. is once again keeping fans loud and on their feet in Albuquerque this season. Their announced return this offseason was surely some of the biggest news around the Mountain West. Both compliment each other so well in the one and two positions. And with Third Team All-Mountain West honors for both of them last season and Mashburn Jr.’s recognition last month as a Preseason All-Conference selection. The sky’s the limit for these two this year, and Lobo fans are ready.
  • Lastly, this team’s identity feels oddly similar to last season. With House and Mashburn leading the offensive charge and those around them working in between. Now, different are the new complimentary pieces like Udeze, Allick and Dent. But with some lackluster performances against Southern Utah, we saw a high energy House doing what he does best, which is a big of everything honestly. And Jamal Mashburn Jr. doing what he does best, scoring a team high 24 points while doing so a tad under the radar and VERY efficiently (53.8% FGs, 2-3 3FGs & 8-9 FTs). To be different than last year’s squad we need to see others step up and clean up the mistakes. Yes, it is early in the season but progress towards more efficient scoring and defensive efforts should go miles in the right direction come January.

Next Up:

New Mexico prepares to play host once more this week. As they welcome Richie Riley and his South Alabama Jaguars to the Pit this Friday. Southern Utah was no cake walk and maybe a combination of let’s say “strict” officiating and first game jitters are long behind the Lobos later this week.

But keeping with coach Pitino’s confidence in his squad and challenging non-conference slate, South Alabama will be another early season gauge of the Lobos battle toughness. That matchup tips-off at 7:00 PM MST, and can be streamed live on the Mountain West Network.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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