Outside of adding a new head coach to the football program, UNM has been busy on the hardwood and on the recruiting trail. The Men’s Basketball program closed out their non-conference schedule in an empathic way while the women split a series of games to close out the pre-holiday schedule.
Dent leads UNM past VCU
In a compelling conclusion to their non-conference schedule, the New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team emerged victorious with a 78-71 win over the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With this win, the Lobos improved their season record to 9-3, asserting their position as a competitive force in the realm of college basketball.
The standout performance came from Donovan Dent, who delivered an extraordinary 40-point game, marking the highest individual score for a Lobo player in three seasons and the first such feat at The Pit in nine years. Dent’s scoring prowess not only helped the Lobos snap VCU’s five-game winning streak but also showcased his exceptional skills as a vital contributor to the team’s success. Alongside Dent, Nelly Junior Joseph added a double-double to his season tally with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Mustapha Amzil contributed 15 points as well.
The game commenced with a strong defensive effort from the Lobos, allowing them to quickly establish a 6-1 lead. However, the Rams answered back with a 6-0 run to take a brief lead at 14-13. The Lobos retaliated, regaining the lead and finishing the first half with a score of 37-30, following a 6-0 run. Dent led all scorers at halftime with 15 points.
In the second half, the Lobos expanded their lead to double digits and maintained control, despite VCU’s attempts to close the gap. A final 7-0 run by UNM solidified their victory, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Donovan Dent achieved a remarkable milestone as the first Lobo to score 40 points in a game since Jaelen House accomplished the same feat in 2022.
- The win against VCU marked UNM’s ability to secure victories against top-50 KenPom opponents, highlighting their competitive edge this season.
- The Lobos concluded their non-conference schedule with an impressive record, holding a 33-4 record over the last three seasons—ranking as the third-best win percentage in the nation behind Purdue and Utah State.
Following the game, Coach Richard Pitino commented on the team’s effort, emphasizing their high level of desire and commitment to achieving victory. He noted the significance of leveraging opportunities against a strong opponent like VCU and praised the team’s preparation and execution.
After a brief ten-day holiday break, the Lobos are set to resume Mountain West Conference play with road games against Colorado State on December 28 and Fresno State on December 31. They will return to The Pit for a significant milestone game on January 3, where they will host Nevada in the 1,000th game at The Pit.
Recognition for Donovan Dent
After his stellar performance against VCU, Donovan Dent received the Mountain West Player of the Week honor for his contributions. This marked the second time in his career that he had received this accolade, following his prior recognition earlier in the season.
Dent’s career-high 40 points included a shooting line of 14-26 from the field, 2-4 from three-point range, and 10-11 from the free-throw line. His achievement not only highlighted his individual talent but also underscored the team’s collective effort in overcoming strong adversaries.
Lobo Women Close out Fall with split results
The New Mexico Lobos women’s basketball team also showcased their abilities with a decisive win of 69-57 over the visiting Sacramento State Hornets in the first game of the Lobo Invitational. Viané Cumber emerged as the key player, scoring a career-high 25 points, with an impressive 12 points coming in the final quarter. Cumber’s performance included going a perfect 4-4 from the floor in the fourth quarter, leading the team in scoring, rebounding (eight), and assists (three).
UNM’s defense held the Hornets to under 60 points for the sixth time this season, demonstrating their effectiveness on that end of the floor. Destinee Hooks also contributed significantly, finishing with 14 points, marking her 11th game this season in double figures.
The Lobos displayed superior shooting in the first half, outscoring the Hornets as they completed the first quarter with a 17-11 lead, extending it to a 30-20 advantage by halftime. Sacramento State’s third-quarter surge, featuring a 15-0 run, briefly narrowed the gap, but the Lobos regained control in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
After this game, the Lobos prepared to face Abilene Christian, where they fought hard but ultimately fell short with a 77-69 scoreline. In this matchup, Hargrove stood out with a season-high 14 points and three blocks, while Cumber continued to excel with 18 points. The bench also provided vital contributions, with Amhyia Moreland leading in rebounds and showing her defensive prowess.
The contest against Abilene Christian showed the Lobos’ tenacity and adaptability, as they faced another strong opponent. Despite their loss, they displayed a commendable balance in scoring, evident from their solid bench performance, which combined for 23 points.
Cross Country Adds Kipkurui
On a different note, the New Mexico Lobos distance runners reached new heights during the fall, finishing among the Top 10 at the NCAA Cross Country Championships for the first time in program history. In a significant boost to their depth, the team welcomed Ishmael Kipkurui, a renowned Kenyan distance runner, for the upcoming semester.
Kipkurui, who recently graduated from high school and has showcased extraordinary talent, will be eligible to compete immediately. His accolades include being a U20 World Cross Country Champion and earning selection to the Kenyan national team for upcoming championships. His impressive personal bests in the 3,000m and 5,000m rank him among the nation’s elite, making him a valuable addition to the Lobos’ distance squad.
Head coach Darren Gauson expressed enthusiasm for Kipkurui’s arrival, recognizing him as one of the top recruits globally. Gauson highlighted the integration of Kipkurui into the existing team dynamics, believing that training alongside accomplished runners like Habtom Samuel will greatly enhance his development and contribute to the program’s ongoing success.
The Lobos will resume competition on January 18 at the Corky Classic hosted by Texas Tech before inviting teams for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational at the Albuquerque Convention Center on January 24-25. Fans and followers of the Lobos can keep up with the action through live coverage on relevant social media platforms, as well as updates on official team pages.
The New Mexico Lobos’ recent performances in both men’s and women’s basketball, along with the promising addition to their cross-country team, reflect a period of growth and achievement across athletic programs. The Lobos not only demonstrate competitive spirit and determination on the court and track but are also establishing their presence in collegiate sports at large, aiming for continued success as they transition into the second half of their seasons.
