Fresh off the heels of their second straight victory, the Lobos (0-0, 2-0) head into Legends Classic to take on the Green Bay Phoenix (0-0, 1-1). Through their first two games, the Lobos are averaging 94.5 points per game and are one of the nation’s top-scoring teams.
After a second straight game with five players reaching double digits in scoring, the Lobos dominating performances have them nearing the top of the NCAA in a number of categories. UNM is second in shooting percentage (60.0) and seventh in assists per game (22.0). Returning from an injury last season, Ohio State transfer JaQuan Lyle has emerged as one of the leaders and is currently averaging 13.5 points and eight assists per game.
Not to be outdone, Carlton Bragg and Corey Manigault are each averaging 15 points per game, adding to the impressive offensive showing so far.
One area that the Lobos needed to show improvement after the first game was in the turnover department. Surrendering 21 against Eastern New Mexico, the team spent extra time in practice prior to the game against CSUN, and it paid off. With only 12 turnovers in that game, the Lobos were better able to control the pace of play and prevented their opponents from getting opportunities for fast break points.
For the Green Bay Phoenix, they are looking to find their stride after mixed results in their first two games. They fell in their opener to Big 10 opponent Purdue 79-57, but rebounded against Wisconsin-Stout and recorded their highest ever point total in a 115-64 victory. Phoenix freshman guard Amari Davis is one of the team’s top scorers so far this season, averaging 12.5 points per game while shooting 66.7% from the field.
As a team, though, Green Bay has struggled shooting converting only 46.2% of their shots. The result of this is that they rely heavily on their defensive abilities and have held opponents to 44.8% shooting from the field and only 71.5 points per game.
The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. Mountain Time from DreamStyle Arena on Wednesday night. The match will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network (themw.com/watch).
