Corey Manigault and Vance Jackson each posted double-doubles to lead the University of New Mexico Lobos to a 90-83 victory over Iona in UNM’s home opener of the 2018-19 season.
Manigault, 6-9, 225 forward playing in his first game at the Pit after joining the team as a transfer from Indian Hills CC, filled the stat sheet with a game-high 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His energy off the bench proved to be a difference in the game down the stretch and his steal of Isaiah Still and subsequent thunderous dunk with 7:05 left in the game gave the Lobos a 73-72 lead.
Jackson, a redshirt sophomore who sat out last season after transferring from UConn after his freshman season, made an excellent first impression to 10,188 Lobo fans at the Pit with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while shooting 50% from the field.
“We won because of those two guys,” UNM head coach Paul Weir said after the game.
“Whenever Corey and whenever Vance can play the way they do, it’s going to help us tremendously. Vance is such a talented player. His ceiling here is through the roof. And Corey is the exact same way. I want to kill him sometimes, and I think he wants to kill me too. But at the end of the day, the kid is playing his tail off.”
Guard Asante Gist led the Gaels in scoring with 19 points on 6 of 13 shooting from the floor. Four Iona players finished in double figures, including guard E.J. Crawford who finished with 16 points and a team-high 10 free throws.
There were nine lead changes in the game and five ties. Both teams were nearly identical in turnovers, points in the paint, second-chance points, and fast break points. But the Lobos enjoyed a plus-seven margin in rebounds and outshot the Gaels 51% to 40% from the field.
The Lobos continue their regular season schedule against in-state rival New Mexico State this Saturday at DreamStyle arena. Tipoff is set for 4:00 pm.