By Myles Papponi
It was a sad day for the University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team on Friday in Memphis, Tennessee. The Lobos were “All Shook Up” and found themselves “at the end of Lonely Street” during their loss to Clemson, by a final score of 77-56, in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Clemson’s game plan was able to control the game and play at a pace that they felt comfortable. Defensively they held New Mexico to 29.7% shooting from the field, while also only surrendering three baskets from beyond the arc, and forcing 13 turnovers. At the offensive end, the Tigers play unselfishly, earning 16 assists on the afternoon. While Clemson star Forward PJ Hall (14 points, 3 rebounds) was held in check due to foul trouble early, guard Chase Hunter would go on to lead all scorers with 21 points and notch six 6 assists of his own. Despite the Lobos keeping the game within reach early, the Tigers went on a 19-2 run in the first half and never truly looked back.
The Lobos wouldn’t go down without a fight, putting together runs of their own. These runs showed fans that this team wasn’t going to roll over and kept hope alive for their own “One Shining Moment.” Despite their best efforts, they were unable to cut the lead to less than 12 during the second half.
Throughout the afternoon, the Lobos struggled to find their stroke from the floor. Lobo guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. ended the day with 6 points after going 0-for-6 from the three-point line. Center Nelly Junior Joseph led the team in points and rebounds, picking up a double-double for his efforts after putting up 14 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Jaelen House played his heart out but, to his standards, played an off-game. House shot 4-for-14 from the field with 12 points.
While the Lobos did not play a great game, their effort and unwillingness to quit were very prevalent and it never faded during the game. JHouse led the team to this effect throughout the meeting. Even though defeat was inevitable, the team continued to fight for every rebound and loose ball. Their full-court press at the end of the game was energetic and active. The team never backed down physically to their opponent. The Lobos showed fans that they will give everything they have left and not give in to any opponent, which is something the fans can look to with hope for next season.
The Lobos had an excellent season, finishing with a record of 26-10, and briefly spent time ranked in the Top 25 in the nation. After a lackluster end to the regular season, the team won the Mountain West Conference tournament, where they became the first team in the conference’s history to win four games in four days, and claimed a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade.
The future for the Lobos looks bright after many young players played vital roles during the season. Included in that group are Sophomore guard Donovan Dent, and true Freshmen Tru Washington (G) and JT Toppin (F), who each had an excellent first year with the Lobos. Head Coach Richard Pitino appears to be moving the program in a winning direction as the offseason, and transfer portal decisions await.