After a successful beginning to the start of conference play, the Lobos (9-2, 2-0) are set to close out the season series against the New Mexico State Aggies (6-5, 0-0). Back at the pit, where a near, if not complete, sellout is anticipated, the Lobos are currently favored to win by four points.
There is one major difference between the locations that could play a factor; the crowd at The Pit. Every team will tell you that their home court gives them an advantage, but in this series, the Lobos haven’t won on their home court since 2016.
The first time the two schools met this season, it came down to the wire in Las Cruces. The Lobos edged out a one-point win that time, and a win on Saturday would give them a five-game win streak.
Trevelin Queen played a significant role in the first game, netting 23 points for the Aggies. He is leading the Aggies in both points (14.9) and rebounds per game (5.5).
The Lobos are riding a four-game win streak heading into Saturday’s game, the most recent being a 79-65 win over Wyoming last Saturday. After that game, JaQuan Lyle was named the Mountain West Player of the Week for the second time on the season. Senior Carlton Bragg put on a show against the Cowboys with 15 points and 15 rebounds, Bragg dominated the glass.
One player that might have been overlooked was Junior guard JJ Caldwell. Caldwell quiet put together an 8/9/10 (points/assists/rebounds) stat line, nearly hitting the triple-double mark.
On Saturday, it would be hard to pick against the Lobos despite the recent history. This season, the Lobos are off to a 6-0 start at home, and their 9-2 mark represents the best start since the 2012-13 campaign. With a very favorable run of games coming up, this game could the catalyst propelling the Lobos to a 13-2 record before heading back into conference play.
The game is scheduled for a 5:06 p.m. (Moutain) tipoff. Saturday’s game will be available to watch live on AT&T SportsNet. Fans can also follow live via live stats on the Lobo website.