2023 Lakers draft prospect profile: Morris Udeze

A look at Morris Udeze, a big man from the University of New Mexico.

One area of needed improvement that many have identified for the Los Angeles Lakers is frontcourt depth.

In addition to superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they have Jarred Vanderbilt, who emerged as a defensive stopper, scoring threat Rui Hachmiura and 3-and-D backup center Mo Bamba. Hachimura will become a free agent soon, and Bamba’s future with the team is in question, so the Lakers could need new bodies up front.

With the No. 17 and No. 47 picks in the 2023 NBA draft, they could find one or two such bodies. One big man prospect they recently worked out was Morris Udeze from the University of New Mexico.

New Mexico Secures Commitment From Iona Transfer Nelly Junior Joseph

New Mexico Secures Commitment From Iona Transfer Nelly Junior Joseph Lobos add first commitment of transfer class. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico finds their big man for the 2023-2024 season. Richard Pitino and his staff filled a …

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New Mexico Secures Commitment From Iona Transfer Nelly Junior Joseph


Lobos add first commitment of transfer class.


Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico finds their big man for the 2023-2024 season. 

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Richard Pitino and his staff filled a glaring need on their 2023-2024 New Mexico roster on Tuesday. Securing the commitment from 6-10, Iona transfer big man Nelly Junior Joseph.

The Beninese Junior announced his decision his twitter around noon on Tuesday. After a visit to Albuquerque last weekend, which was followed up by a stop in Dallas to visit his other finalist Southern Methodist.

Lobo fans should be familiar with Junior Joseph’s game and what he brings to Albuquerque next season. After a dominant 21 points, 6 rebounds & 3 steal performance (in just 27 minutes of action) against New Mexico inside the Pit back on December 18th, 2022. Coach Pitino and their staff know they are getting a big who can run the floor, play with his back to the basket, excels in open space & has a great feel for off the ball movement.

The need for a demanding offensive force in the paint next season was evident with the departure of Morris Udeze this spring. The 6-8 graduate transfer excelled in Albuquerque this past season. Averaging a near double-double en route to All-MWC Third-Team Honors, but exhausting his college eligibility.

Fellow starters Javonte Johnson & Josiah Allick opted to his the transfer portal last month. Leaving Richard Pitino with two all-conference guards Jaelen House & Jamal Mashburn Jr. as the only returning starters. And an obvious need for an offseason in the transfer portal looking for an impact big man.

Junior Joseph was the 2020-2021 MAAC Freshman of the Year, well also receiving back to back All-MAAC 1st team selections during his time at Iona. Prior to his time in Rochelle, he was a part of the NBA Academy Africa in neighboring Senegal.

“Nelly is one of the premier players to come out of Africa this year. He is a tremendous athlete who is great in the open court. He is a powerful player with a very good mid-range game.” said former Iona head coach Rick Pitino

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: 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:  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.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fr0w1a4286krp4ad player_id=none image=https://mwwire.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

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.