Tag: JT Toppin

2024 Mountain West Championship: New Mexico Secures First MWC Tournament Title in Over a Decade with 68-61 win over SDSU

Game Recap: No. 6 New Mexico 68, No. 5 San Diego State 61 Jaelen House get’s his moment & secures his first MWC title in his last conference game. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico secures first conference tournament title in a …

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 Game Recap: No. 6 New Mexico 68, No. 5 San Diego State 61

Jaelen House get’s his moment & secures his first MWC title in his last conference game.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico secures first conference tournament title in a decade, thanks to the play of Jaelen House & JT Toppin.

Las Vegas, NV–If there were any better cherry on top of what has been one of the more competitive & entertaining Mountain West seasons in recent years, it was the championship game slated for Saturday afternoon in sin city. A showdown between longtime conference rivals No. 5 seed San Diego State & No. 6 seed New Mexico.

Two teams that may not have been on everyone’s bracket in the MWC Tournament title game, but two deserving programs nonetheless. New Mexico won three straight games in three straight days to get here. Beating Air Force on Wednesday (82-56), Boise State (76-66) on Thursday & Colorado State (74-61) late Friday night.

While San Diego State got a bye into the quarterfinals on Thursday, where they narrowly squeezed by UNLV 74-71. Then upsetting No. 1 seed & regular season champion Utah State 86-70 on Friday.

It isn’t unfamiliar territory for either program, but it’s been a second home for one & a once in a while destination for the other. San Diego State have become fixtures in the Mountain West Tournament title game the last decade. Making nine appearances in ten years & cutting the nets down four times in that span.

While New Mexico made a Cinderella style run in Paul Weir’s first season in Albuquerque back in 2018. That game was also against the Aztecs & their “first year” Head Coach Brian Dutcher. The Lobos fell 82-75 to their conference rivals that year.

Missing out on the title, one they haven’t brought home to Albuquerque since Craig Neals first year in charge in Albuquerque back in 2014. Noodles inherited a Steve Alford built roster to help lift that trophy. With history & an automatic berth to the big dance on the line, each team needed to cap amazing individual seasons with an amazing win Saturday afternoon.

The Lobos momentum was still in full swing at tip-off. Hitting the floor hard in the opening minutes on a 6-2 run. A Darrion Trimmell three pointer brought the Aztecs to within one. Sparked by Jaelen Houses’ energy, New Mexico found their offensive rhythm, though San Diego State kept things close.

Richard Pitino’s squad enjoyed small runs all throughout the first half. The first thanks to five straight Jamal Mashburn Jr. points, giving New Mexico their biggest lead to that point, 16-8 approaching the ten minute mark. To be followed with four straight three point field goals (3-House & 1-Mashburn Jr.) to extend their lead to double-digits, 30-18.

After a JT Toppin layup gave the Lobos the 34-20 lead approaching the two minute mark, the Aztecs made their stand. Going on a 10-2 run before half-time, with all points coming in the paint from their frontcourt duo of Jay Pal & JaeDon LeDee. As the buzzer sounded, New Mexico went into the locker rooms up 36-30.

Second Half

Even though the Lobos surrendered the closing minutes of the first half to the Aztecs, they wouldn’t let that influence how they emerged from half-time. Earning a quick five points from their backcourt duo before San Diego State decided it was time to put the clamp down.

The Aztecs fell victim to New Mexico’s fast pace style of play most of the game. Leading to their deficit & leadless first half. But Brian Dutcher’s squad wins their games in a much slower & physically charged way. San Diego State made a stand that would turn what was a comfortable Lobo lead most of the game into a one procession dogfight the rest of the way.

The Aztecs would turn to a style of play called, pass the ball to Jaedon. A play that would see LeDee vie for position in the post, receive the ball & eight times out of ten get fouled & head to the line. The other two times out of ten he would make the shot.

Creating quite a conundrum for New Mexico, who became spooked & decided their approach would be fouling the Aztec big to make him earn his points at the free throw line. Well, it sounded nice in theory. But LeDee came into this one shooting 72.4% from the free throw line. LeDee would go to the line multiple times over the next ten minutes, slowing the game down & taking New Mexico out of their offensive rhythm almost immediately.

A Jaelen House technical foul approaching the ten minute mark would trigger a series of plays that ultimately gave San Diego State their first lead of the game at 44-43 thanks to a Reese Waters jumper.

The next ten minutes were an exchange of free throws with a few genuine field goals scattered about. It brought everything down to the final two minutes of the game. Were both squads were tied at fifty-nine a piece, a time where the only way New Mexico would pull the upset would be if someone scored true field goals & rebounded when their opponents didn’t.

In comes MWC Freshman of the Year JT Toppin, Who grabbed four rebounds & scored five points, which became the cushion needed for third year Head Coach Richard Pitino to secure his first conference title.

The Lobos began to celebrate their 68-61 win at the buzzer, as the first No. 6 seed to win the Mountain West Conference Tournament ever. Jamal Mashburn Jr. joined House & Toppin in double-figures 21 points thanks to some very clutch shooting from all three-levels of scoring.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico–JT Toppin & Jaelen House

Stat line: House-28 points, 5 rebounds & 3 steals on 10-22 (45.4%) from the floor & 3-7 (42.8%) from deep in 36 minutes of action Toppin-13 points & 11 rebounds on 6-8 (75%) from the floor in 35 minutes of action

The performance House had in the first half is the reason the Lobos were able to stay competitive as the Aztecs began chipping away at their grip on the lead. But it was also his level head in the second half as his team struggled, continuing to give effort & not letting it get to his head. His game high 28 points help attribute to an amazing final MWC game ever. And to go out cutting down the nets in the Pit West, there is no better feeling.

JT Toppin stepped up with his double-double as frontcourt mate Nelly Junior-Joseph was mainly tasked with keeping Aztec x-factor LeDee unimpactful until he absolutely couldn’t. So Toppin contributed in all the best ways down low, blocking & altering shots, securing boards of both variety & making shots when no one else could. I couldn’t give the spotlight to just one players as the game was won with the performances of both.

San Diego State F-Jaedon LeDee

Stat line: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists on 7-12 shooting (58.3%) from the floor & a whopping 11-11 (100%) from the free throw line in 37 minutes of play

LeDee went scoreless in the first fifteen minutes of the game. Which is something no one realized until he began scoring every single minutes of the game going forward. The Aztec big man found his confidence late in the first half & found his role going forward, wrecking ball who can shoot free throws, exactly to his liking. LeDee can score at all three levels but is his most consistent battling for space in the paint.

No other Aztec scored in double-figures & his 100% performance from the charity stripe is the a huge piece of why the momentum of the game was laid gently in their hands most of the second-half. It was an All-Tournament level performance for the ages, a great way to cap a great career in the Mountain West.

Next Up:

With the final buzzer in Las Vegas on Saturday night, the conference postseason comes to a close with an incredible performance from all teams involved. The only thing left to do is tune in tomorrow Sunday March 17th for this year’s production of the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.

You can watch Selection Sunday on CBS at 4:00 PM MT & 3:00 PM PT. A streamed version of the show can be viewed on NCAA.com during their March Madness Live Special.

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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No. 19 New Mexico Fall To Boise State 86-78 Inside the Pit

Game Recap: Boise State 86, No. 19 New Mexico 78 New Mexico receives first home loss of the season to Broncos. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boise State travels to Albuquerque to hand No. 19 New Mexico their first home loss of the season. …

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 Game Recap: Boise State 86, No. 19 New Mexico 78

New Mexico receives first home loss of the season to Broncos.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boise State travels to Albuquerque to hand No. 19 New Mexico their first home loss of the season.

Albuquerque, NM–The Mountain West has turned into the bridge between high major and mid-major basketball. With the conference consistently ranked just behind or inside the coveted six high major conferences on KenPom.com in recent years.

With that jump in metric respect comes what fans and media around the conference like to call, the Mountain West Gauntlet. In short, it means that any team on any given night could fall. And taking a brief look the conference season thus far is all the proof you’ll need.

But, that high stakes basketball certainly gives way to entertaining and must watch action around the conference week in and week out. Take Tuesday night’s late night clash between the No. 19 New Mexico Lobos & Boise State Broncos.

Both squads were not immune to that aforementioned gauntlet as conference play begun. Richard Pitino’s Lobos began with a 1-2 record while Leon Rice’s Broncos have some high quality wins to go along with some less than stellar losses.

The Broncos have won four times inside the Pit, most recently back in 2022. But maybe more interesting, the last time Boise State faced a ranked New Mexico team in the Pit was back in 2013. Yes Leon Rice was the coach back then as well, so he’s familiar with the territory more than most.

Though with the Lobos coming into this match ready to defend an undefeated record on their home court and being renowned as one of the hottest teams in the country, fans were in for a treat.

The Lobos opened things up like they have done all January, with high energy, hustle & a zoned in focus. That gave them an early 10-2 lead over the Broncos and warranted a timeout from Leon Rice. Boise State responded with five straight points out of that timeout to silence the Pit crowd for just a moment.

The Broncos used that momentum to trade buckets with their hosts for the next five minutes or so. Mustapha Amzil came off of the bench with some instant offense.

With Coach Rice’s group making the adjustment to battle with their hosts down low where they have a deep array of bigs to choose from. It worked as the Broncos took their first lead of the game in the 9:49 minute mark with a Jace Whiting layup in a wide open lane.

They would go on a 6-0 run to further extend their lead in a ever so quiet Pit. The Broncos would shoot just 3-10 from deep but 8-10 down low during that stretch.

A Donovan Dent three pointer reignited the Lobo offense and cut the deficit down to one with just over five minutes of play in the half. Both squads would once again trade buckets to finish out the half. To the tune of a 41-38 Bronco lead. Thanks to their solid interior offense in the middle of the half and Max Rice’s three pointers.

The second-half began in similar fashion. A Broncos squad that was looking to do battle in the paint. The Lobos regained the lead just two minutes into the second half, going up 45-43 after a JT Toppin three pointer.

Both sides would continue to exchange buckets, in three point form, layups and free throws. The offense was everywhere on both sides and these two programs looked like one of the more even matchups in the Mountain West.

The Broncos were reluctant to give up their lead and found necessary buckets to maintain it. The only problem, Donovan Dent. The Lobo sophomore had his way with both Roddie Anderson III & Jace Whiting. Making drive after drive to keep the Lobos winning hopes alive.

Jamal Mashburn Jr. came off the bench to give Dent a much needed breather. And right off of the bench he sank a game tying three pointer to make things even at 67 a piece with about seven minutes on the game clock.

The Broncos answered with a Max Rice three and O’Mar Stanley field goal to regain their lead. A formula that treated them well all night. It continued to work all the way until the final buzzer.

It was the Lobos first loss inside the storied Pit this season. One fans and media alike saw coming eventually, but it still hurts regardless of the mental preparation. Boise State gave Leon Rice his fifth win inside the Pit during his tenure.

“Max Rice just continues to hurt us, O’Mar Stanley was such a great addition from the portal for them.” mentioned Richard Pitino “We got six days off until Wyoming, so we have to rebound & learn from this.”

Player Spotlights

Boise State G–Max Rice

Stat line: 35 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals on 12-20 shooting from the floor, including 7-14 (50%) from deep in 38 minutes on the floor

Rice gave Boise State their advantage in the first half with his three point shooting. Posting 11 points on 4-8 shooting (3-7 from deep). It wasn’t pretty but it was a difference maker. He continued to do the same in the second half. While even taking his game inside with his mismatched defenders on his hip and scoring in the process.

Max Rice was fun to watch, hitting threes, dishing to bigs and making cuts when those bigs got in trouble. The rest of his Boise State teammates had their woes but when your hand is as hot as Rice’s was, that doesn’t matter. His 35 points were a new career high, his previous of 30 points was also against the Lobos in Boise.

New Mexico G-Donovan Dent

Stat line: 31 points, 2 assists on 12-18 from the floor in 36 minutes on the floor

Jaelen House went to the bench early with 2 fouls, 2 points & no field goals early. Mashburn Jr. wasn’t his usual self either with a little too much size defensively for Boise State. So, in comes Donovan Dent.

With fearless drives filled with acrobatic plays, speed & strength. Which paired well with his confidence and play making abilities for others. Without him Leon Rice’s group would have had double-digit lead going into half-time.

Dent had an absolute showing in the second-half. Scoring 18 points off of 7-9 shooting, all two point field goals by the way. Cutting through the Boise State defense like butter. Dent’s 31 points were his new career high.

Three Takeaways

  • These games are necessary to experience in order to build a championship team and NCAA Tournament team. New Mexico realized that tonight. That sometimes the other teams size will be a factor and shots won’t fall for you. But that’s when your stars need to step up or relinquish that title.
  • This was the first game I’ve seen an opponent take the Lobos out of their game. They usually, force turnovers, score in transition & play tough defense. Either on the interior or perimeter, not always at the same time. Boise State did their job by taking them out of this style of play early. Not to mention the points lacking from their normal group of scorers and contributors. You can’t win when House goes 1-15 from the floor, that’s not all on him, but that usually spells doom.
  • Boise State came into the Pit and luckily had Max Rice with them on the flight over. The other broncos played key roles but Rice had one of the hottest hands I’ve seen in the Pit in recent memory. They’ll head home with a quality win in one of the toughest places to do so in the country. I can’t say much more about their performance than, good job Max Rice. Let’s hope he can keep that rhythm for the remainder of conference play. If so, the Broncos have found their go to scorer and are that much more dangerous.
  • I wanted to add a surprise 4th takeaway for those who have made it this far. Anyone can win, any given night.

Next Up:

The Lobos take the time to get right and take the weekend off before their next game. New Mexico hasn’t had a one game week so far this season and after such a hot turnaround beginning in January, it’s much needed.

After that, they’ll head on the road to face an always problematic Wyoming Cowboys squad in Laramie. That contest tips off at 6:30 PM MT on Tuesday February 6th and can be seen on the Mountain West Network.

The Broncos return home with a quality win to host a dangerous Air Force team on Saturday. One with plenty of scorers capable of master mining the upset.

Every game counts in this year’s edition of the Mountain West, so a home game against a bottom-half conference foe is a must win for Leon Rice. That game tips off on Saturday February 3rd at 2:00 PM MT and can be watched 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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No. 25 New Mexico vs. Nevada: Game Preview, How To Watch, Prediction & More

New Mexico vs. Nevada: Game Preview, How To Watch, Prediction & More The Lobos head back home to put their winning momentum on the line. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire No. 25 New Mexico heads home to host Steve Alford & his Nevada Wolf Pack …

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New Mexico vs. Nevada: Game Preview, How To Watch, Prediction & More

The Lobos head back home to put their winning momentum on the line.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

No. 25 New Mexico heads home to host Steve Alford & his Nevada Wolf Pack in Super Sunday Showdown.

WHO: No. 25 New Mexico (17-3, 5-2 in the MWC) vs. Nevada (16-4, 3-3 in the MWC)

WHEN: Sunday, January 28th, 8:00 PM MT/7:00 PM PT

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

TELEVISION: FS1

STREAM:  FuboTV – Get a free trial

Line: KenPom ($), The Lobos are favored by 6 Points

A date circled on many Lobo fans calendars this time of year, the return of maybe their “winningest” Head Coach ever. A day that stirs up emotion among the New Mexico fan base, both good and bad. But another gameday to overcome nonetheless, regardless of who fills the opposing team’s bench.

Steve Alford left New Mexico for a dream job at one of college basketball’s blue chip gigs, UCLA. Fans understood why he left, but never truly forgave their former head coach. Lobo basketball since his departure has struggled to climb back to what is seen as their peak of the 21st century.

Because of that history, fans pack the pit when the other wolf team comes to town. Look no further than last season’s matchup, where 15,004 fans packed University Arena to witness one of the biggest buzzer beaters in Mountain West history. It was one of two Lobo losses last season resulting from a buzzer beater at home and one of two losses to the Wolf Pack last season.

In fact the last time a ranked Lobo team went up against Nevada was just a little over a year ago inside the Lawlor Events Center. The Wolf Pack added to the win column in Coach Alford’s record against his old employer. Which is perfectly intact at 8-0.

The Lobos will put their red hot momentum and top-25 ranking on the line Sunday night. As they prepare to host a team, like themselves, make opposing coaches hold their breath until the final buzzer sounds. New Mexico is coming home after a two-game road trip that resulted in convincing wins over Air Force & San Jose State.

Those are games the Lobos needed to win & couldn’t afford to lose, so give Richard Pitino and his group some credit for not fumbling those road wins. Maybe give more credit to their nationally renowned perimeter trio of Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr. & Donovan Dent who have led this New Mexico team to potentially their first NCAA Tournament trip since current Nevada Assistant Coach Craig Neal took them to ten years ago.

It really has been a team effort for the Lobos this season. Certainly led by that trio of guards but supported by stellar transfers & impactful freshman. New Mexico has slowly become the team national media were giving attention to in the offseason.

While Nevada is coming off of a 77-64 win against No. 24 ranked Colorado State on Wednesday. A much needed win that ended a three game losing streak for the Wolf Pack. A team like their hosts, are looking for an NCAA Tournament birth come March.

They are led by former transfers and now longtime Wolves Kenan Blackshear & Jarod Lucas. A perimeter duo who are making their last run around the Mountain West before running out of eligibility.

The guys over at Heat Check CBB have Nevada as one of the First Four Out in their most recent Bracketology release while other outlets have them as a Last Four In selection.

The path both of these teams have taken to Sunday’s matchup appear similar. Great non-conference performances, some tough losses but some high value “upsets” in conference play.

As the lone Sunday game of the entire Mountain West Conference slate, there will be eyeballs aplenty available to watch this clash of wolves.

Players to Watch:

F JT Toppin–New Mexico

23-24 Stats: 13.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG & 1.2 SPG while shooting 66.3% from the floor in 25.0 MPG

Last time out: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 block on 5-11 (45%) shooting, including 4-5 (80%) from the line against San Jose State

If you haven’t gotten a chance to see a Lobo game this season, make time. New Mexico is a deep and talented team this year with leadership and true potential. With maybe JT Toppin having one of the more exciting freshman seasons since Kendall Williams well over a decade ago.

The 6-9 freshman four man is a site to see in the paint. Recently tying the record for most double-doubles by a freshman (7), previously held by Lobo legend & former NBA journeyman Kenny Thomas.

Toppin’s offensive game is primarily focused around the rim, with second chance layups & turnaround hook shots being his weapons of choice. Along with finishing in transition. While defensively he has active hands, which lead to opponent turnovers and those aforementioned dunks in transition. Big Lobo wins are usually accompanied by big Toppin nights, so they may need one from him in order to put away a team they haven’t beaten in a long time.

F Kenan Blackshear –Nevada

23-24 Stats: 16.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG while shooting 51.3% from the floor in 31.1 MPG

Last time out: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists on 9-12 (75%) shooting against Colorado State

Blackshear’s name will live in infamy inside the heads of Lobo fans after his buzzer beating mid-range jumper inside the Pit last season. The true definition of a dagger that deflated an entire arena filled with fifteen thousand people in an instant.

Blackshear’s game is tough to stop. A 6’6 combo guard who often towers over his opponents on the perimeter. He has a deadly inside game, a 1.8 assist to turnover ratio but virtually no outside game.

An element of his game that you think would make him easier to guard or at least point to where on the floor opponents should push him towards, but it doesn’t. I don’t see Nevada securing the win without a big night from Blackshear.

Keys to the Game

For New Mexico:  Force Turnovers, Get to the line & minimize fouls

The Lobos make their money in transition off of missed field goal attempts and more often turnovers. If you blink you’ll miss it, but New Mexico’s points off of turnovers are no joke. They’ll need plenty of those to avoid playing to one of Nevada’s strengths, which is getting to the line & knocking them down.

The Wolf Pack are ranked in the top-20 in the country in free throw attempts (14th) and makes (16th). The Lobos need to play smart and keep them off of the line Sunday night. A foul heavy night in Albuquerque could doom the Lobos. As that slows down the game and possibly takes away one of their own strengths/advantages.

By the same token, the Lobos need free throws of their own if three-point & mid-range jumpers aren’t falling, which they rarely do. It’s an odd mix but one New Mexico needs to find to secure the win.

For Nevada:  Get to the line, Control the tempo & Crowd the Paint

The Lobos make plenty of their money at the line, but the Wolf Pack does it better. If Nevada can slow down the tempo and take New Mexico’s elite transition offense out of the game while getting to the free throw line at the same time. I can’t see a better reason to use the phrase, two birds with one stone in college basketball more than that exactly.

The Wolf Pack don’t necessarily have a dominant big man down low like say a Jaedon Ledee or Great Osobor. In my opinion that’s an advantage, because they won’t be as cautious when it comes to foul trouble or relying on points from their frontcourt to secure the win.

Instead, they can use that frontcourt on the defensive side and make it difficult for New Mexico’s bigs to earn their living down low. They can do so by sending those bigs to the line, where as a whole, they shoot a poor 59.2% from the charity stripe.

Prediction: New Mexico 80, Nevada 74

The power of the Pit has treated the Lobos well all season (10-0). With their only three losses of the season coming on the road. KenPom has New Mexico as 6-point favorites, which feels accurate given the margin of victory the Lobos have dealt to their opponents as of late but not forgetting Nevada’s offensive abilities any given night.

Though at this point in the season, teams are playing for their tourney resumes and at-large bids. A win in Albuquerque over a ranked New Mexico team means a heck of a whole lot for Nevada. While a homestand win for the Lobos not only gives them their first win over Steve Alford, but a solid quad 2 win to add to their own resume.

I think the current form the Lobos are in combined with their homecourt advantage gives them the win. It could be close but I see New Mexico pulling out the win Sunday night.

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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New Mexico vs. No. 16 Utah State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Prediction & More

New Mexico vs. No. 16 Utah State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Prediction & More Can the Lobos pull off the encore & secure back-to-back top-25 win? Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico hosts No. 16 Utah State, in search of second …

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New Mexico vs. No. 16 Utah State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Prediction & More

Can the Lobos pull off the encore & secure back-to-back top-25 win?

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico hosts No. 16 Utah State, in search of second straight top-25 win.

WHO: New Mexico (14-3, 2-2 in the MWC) vs. No. 16 Utah State (16-1, 4-0 in the MWC)

WHEN: Tuesday, January 16th, 8:30 PM MT

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

TELEVISION: FS1

STREAM:  FuboTV – Get a free trial

Line: KenPom ($), The Lobos are favored by 4 Points

Encore performances are a beautiful aspect of all kinds of entertainment, sports included. The ability to satisfy an audience’s demand of an incredible performance is special. And believe me Lobo fans are demanding an encore against No. 16 Utah State on Tuesday night.

It’s a big ask, but the Lobos haven’t even had the chance at back-to-back top-25 wins since 2012. They were actually presented with three such opportunities that year, all against San Diego State & UNLV. Their first two meetings resulted in losses, while the Lobos swept the next four.

New Mexico is coming off of what can be argued the biggest win of the Richard Pititno era in Albuquerque Saturday afternoon. When they welcomed a nationally ranked rival in San Diego State and performed a comeback for the ages.

The rest of conference play isn’t going to be a cake walk, it never is. But the momentum built on Saturday needs to be carried over against Utah State. That’s if the Lobos still have March Madness aspirations.

Because Utah State is enjoying an incredible inaugural year in the Danny Sprinkle era in Logan. In year one, Coach Sprinkle has managed to produce a 15-game winning streak including a 4-0 start in conference play. Not to mention the program’s first top-25 ranking since 2019. The program is absolutely rolling, continuing to be a mid-major jumping off point for up and coming coaches.

Tuesday night’s matchup against one of the hottest programs in college basketball is important to say the least. That 15-game Aggie winning streak is also the longest in the nation. And as of Monday, Utah State is the sole Mountain West team in the AP Top-25. After a tough week left the likes of Colorado State & San Diego State bruised and beaten out of the rankings all together.

So on a night filled with Mountain West action, the game with the most weight, might be in Albuquerque.

Players to Watch:

G Jaelen House–New Mexico

23-24 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 SPG & 38.5% 3FG

Last time out: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals on 7-16 (43.8%) shooting, including 4-9 (44.4%) from deep against No. 19 San Diego State

House is fun to watch, whether you love him or hate him, he’s good for college basketball. As his passion and never give up attitude on the floor resembles a video game cheat code, just ask San Diego State.

Without House’s resurgence and continued hustle on both sides of the ball, I’m not sure the Lobos even make it close. He is the x-factor for New Mexico and likely a focal point of Utah State’s gameplan.

F Great Osobor-Utah State

23-24 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.5 BPG & 58.5% FG

Last time out: 24 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks on 6-12 (50%) shooting, including 12-13 (92.3%) from the free throw line against UNLV

Great Osobor is an absolute tank down low. A tank with great hands to go along with a great feel around the rim. He moves well in transition and is on the receiving end of plenty of passes from fellow former Bobcat Darius Brown II. Who just happens to rank 3rd in the entire nation for assists (7.4).

Osobor is enjoying a red hot breakout season, logging double-digit scoring outputs in all of but two games so far. That also includes eight 20+ games and eight double doubles. If the Aggies are looking to secure another quad 1 win to add to their resume, a good night from Osobor is key.

Keys to the Game

For New Mexico:  Interior Defense, Get to the line & Defend the perimeter

The Lobos didn’t look well balanced in the first ten minutes or so against San Diego State. They eventually found their defensive rhythm & put an end to the Aztec’s slow but potent offense.

It took a little longer to figure out how to put points in the basket after shooting horribly to start the game. The solution, three guards shooting a combined 12-12 from the free throw line when nothing else seemed to fall.

On the defensive side, it was 14 blocks (11 in the first half) & 8 steals. Ten of those blocks belonged to the Lobos’ frontcourt starters. They’ll need a similar performance against one of the toughest interior matchups in the country right now, Great Osobor.

For Utah State:  Solid looks for Osobor, Ball Security & Clog the lanes

Some nights Great Osobor is a walking bucket. A walking 6’8 245 pound wrecking ball with great hands type of bucket. With a completely new roster, it’s obvious now that Osobor was the gem of this recruiting class. He’ll need a big night against a Lobo squad that hasn’t been known for their interior defense all season.

The Aggies will also need top notch ball security as the Lobos are one of the best teams in the country at creating offense off of turnovers. Lastly, Utah State will have to clog the lanes & force New Mexico to the free throw line to earn their points or to take & make the three (which has proven to be impossible some nights).

Prediction: New Mexico 80, Utah State 76

The power of the Pit was on full display Saturday afternoon. But a sold out & ruckus crowd isn’t always enough to secure two consecutive wins over top-25 caliber opponents. The Lobos need a similar offensive & defensive balance that gave them their weekend upset.

KenPom has New Mexico as 4-point favorites, which feels accurate given these two teams offensive capabilities. As the Lobos and Aggies are leading the conference in scoring at number one and two. It might just come down to who gets there first.

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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