New Mexico Men’s Basketball Team Secures Impressive Wins Against No. 19 San Diego State and No. 16 Utah State
In an electrifying display of skill and determination, the New Mexico men’s basketball team claimed back-to-back victories against formidable ranked opponents. The Lobos showcased their prowess on the court, first defeating No. 19 San Diego State with an 88-70 triumph, followed by a spectacular 99-86 win over No. 16 Utah State.
Victory Over No. 19 San Diego State (88-70)
The Lobos (14-3, 2-2 MW) faced an early challenge as they trailed by 12 points against the Aztecs (14-3, 3-1 MW). However, they orchestrated a remarkable comeback, ultimately handing San Diego State their first conference loss of the season. Jaelen House led the charge with an impressive 26 points and five assists, supported by JT Toppin’s 17 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks – securing his fifth double-double of the season. Jamal Mashburn, Jr. contributed 19 points, and Mustapha Amzil added a season-high 12 points. The Lobos showcased an outstanding defensive performance, tying a school record with 14 blocks, including a notable contribution from Nelly Junior Joseph.
Key Moments:
- A 17-0 run by the Lobos in the first half shifted the momentum, turning a deficit into a 40-37 lead at halftime.
- In the second half, the Lobos extended their lead with a dominant 11-1 run, securing a 73-54 advantage with 6:15 left.
Noteworthy Stats:
- The crowd of 15,437 at The Pit marked the largest since 2009.
- The 18-point margin was the largest against a ranked opponent since the 2018-19 season.
- UNM’s defensive intensity resulted in the Aztecs’ largest margin of defeat in two years.
Quotable: Coach Richard Pitino expressed gratitude to the fans and praised the team’s effort: “A great day for our fan base and our team, but we now have to get ready for another ranked team.”
Consecutive Win Against No. 16 Utah State (99-86)
Building on the momentum from their previous victory, the Lobos (15-3, 3-2 MW) delivered another stellar performance against No. 16 Utah State (16-2, 4-1 MW). Nelly Junior Joseph’s season-high 26 points, Donovan Dent’s 15 points and career-high 14 assists, and contributions from multiple players led to a 99-86 win. The Lobos showcased defensive prowess with 12 steals and 10 blocks.
Key Moments:
- The Lobos established an early lead, holding a 55-39 advantage at halftime.
- Despite a resilient Utah State, the Lobos maintained control, securing a 95-78 lead with 3:45 left in the game.
Noteworthy Stats:
- Dent’s 14 assists marked the most in a game by a Lobo since 1989.
- This marked the first time since 2011-12 that UNM defeated ranked opponents in consecutive games.
Quotable: Coach Pitino commended the team’s achievement, stating, “To have back-to-back wins against ranked teams is special. It was a great win against a very, very good team.”
What’s Next: The Lobos will hit the road for a two-game trip, starting with a matchup against Air Force on Saturday at 2 p.m., airing on CBS Sports Network.