The Mountain West is getting an early start on conference play this year, and the Lobos (0-0, 7-2) will start their run against the always dangerous Boise State (0-0, 4-2).
The Lobos have won three of the last five against the Broncos, including the lone game between the schools last season. In that meeting, UNM closed out the win 73-72 after Makuach Maluach hit the game-winner with just over a minute to go.
This time around, the Lobos are hoping to have a little more breathing room when the final buzzer sounds.
Coming off of two consecutive wins, UNM plenty of reasons to be confident they can start their conference schedule off on the right foot. With four players averaging double figures in scoring, any team will have a hard time containing all of the scoring threats. Redshirt-senior JaQuan Lyle leads the way with 16.8 points per game and has added 5.1 rebounds through the first nine games.
Carlton Bragg, Maluach, and Corey Manigault are all averting double figures as well. Bragg’s efforts on the boards have him bearing a double-double average (11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds).
Boise is no slouch on the offensive end either. They have three players in double figures, and the team as a whole is averaging 82.5 points per game. It should be a fast-paced game with each team looking to set the tempo.
The Lobos have had the Broncos number in the past, leading the all-time series 11-5. Undefeated at DreamStyle Arena so far this year, the Lobos are favored to win the tough matchup.
Tip-off is Wednesday night at 7:05 pm mountain. Fans can watch the game live from DreamStyle Arena or on Stadium, which is being made available via a special broadcast on Facebook.
Image Credit: MountainWestWire