After a great start to the conference season, the Lobo Men unexpectedly dropped a game on the road to San Jose State University. The loss will undoubtedly hurt them in the rankings, but there is still plenty of season left. On the women’s side, they also had a streak of their own end with a loss to UNLV.
Lobo Women Perfect after Wyoming
In a gripping matchup on Wednesday, the New Mexico Lobos (11-6, 4-0 MW) maintained their perfect start in Mountain West Conference play with a 73-67 victory over Wyoming. Despite the Cowgirls (7-9, 1-4 MW) repeatedly closing the gap to three points in the fourth quarter, New Mexico consistently countered, showcasing their offensive prowess.
The Lobos have now won six of their last seven games and are gearing up to face UNLV, the only other undefeated team in the conference, at home this Sunday.
Key Performers Drive Victory
Destinee Hooks was the standout performer for New Mexico, leading all scorers with 20 points and contributing a season-high four assists, marking her fifth game this season with 20 or more points. Viané Cumber provided crucial support, adding 16 points, including two three-pointers that pushed her career total to 200. This remarkable achievement places Cumber among the select few in program history to reach this milestone.
Statistically, the Lobos dominated many facets of the game, leading for 27 minutes and having clear advantages in points off turnovers (14-7), points in the paint (42-38), second-chance points (8-0), and fast-break points (5-2). Furthermore, New Mexico effectively controlled the ball, committing just seven turnovers—a season low.
Game Recap: A Battle of Comebacks
Wyoming initially took a 12-7 lead in the first quarter. However, Hooks responded rapidly with a personal 5-0 run, tying the game at 12. By the end of the first quarter, the Lobos managed to take a narrow 16-15 lead, thanks to a last-second layup by Amhyia Moreland. Hooks finished the quarter with seven points.
In the second quarter, New Mexico found its rhythm. Cumber’s three-pointer propelled the Lobos to a 23-20 lead, and although Wyoming attempted to rally, Cumber’s pivotal shots extended the lead to six points before the halftime buzzer sounded with UNM ahead 37-33. Hooks was the team’s leading scorer at the break with 13 points.
The third quarter saw the Lobos stretch their advantage once again, with Cumber hitting a couple of vital shots to maintain a four-point lead. However, Wyoming steadily chipped away at the deficit. As the quarter concluded, the teams were tightly matched, with the game tied at 58 before entering the final frame.
The last quarter was marked by tension, with multiple occasions where Wyoming pulled within three points. The Lobos consistently delivered when it mattered most; Hooks’ final basket with 50 seconds left helped cement the win as Wyoming struggled to convert in the closing moments.
Looking ahead, the Lobos will face UNLV, gearing up for a highly anticipated clash between the remaining unbeaten teams in the Mountain West. This match promises to be a pivotal moment in the conference season as both teams aim to maintain their winning streaks.
Perfection Ends Against UNLV
In a thrilling Mountain West conference game, the University of New Mexico Lobos were dealt a heartbreaking 88-73 loss by the UNLV Lady Rebels on Sunday. Both teams entered the match unbeaten, and with the game tied at 58 entering the final quarter, the stage was set for an intense finish.
A pivotal moment came when Destinee Hooks hit a three-pointer, giving the Lobos a five-point lead with 6:30 left to play. However, the Lady Rebels responded with a devastating 17-0 run, marking the turning point in what became a hard-fought loss for the Lobos.
Hooks was the standout performer for the Lobos, recording a game-high 27 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter alone. Joana Magalhães contributed a season-high 16 points and secured seven rebounds, while Alyssa Hargrove added 13 points. This game saw Magalhães reaching double figures for the third time in conference play, while Hooks hit 20 points for the second game in a row and the sixth time this season. Hargrove also registered double-digit points for the ninth time.
The Lobos began the game strong, with Magalhães scoring a layup on the opening possession and Amhyia Moreland extending the lead to 4-0. UNLV missed its first five shots, allowing the Lobos to build a 9-2 advantage in the first 3:48 of play. Despite a basket from Magalhães pushing the lead to 11-4, UNLV closed the gap to 13-10. The Lobos restored a seven-point lead with baskets from Hargrove and Viané Cumber, but UNLV managed to tie the game at 19 by the end of the first quarter.
UNM’s hot start saw them shoot 56.3% in the first quarter, with Cumber leading with five points and Hargrove and Magalhães each having four points.
The second quarter saw the Lobos lose their lead as UNLV went on a 6-0 run to take control. The Lady Rebels stretched the deficit to 33-27, outscoring the Lobos 14-8 in the first half of the period. While Magalhães managed to bring UNM within four with two free throws, Hooks’ and-one narrowed the margin further to 35-32. However, UNLV answered with a corner three-pointer.
At halftime, UNM found themselves trailing for the first time this season in conference play, down 40-33. Despite outshooting UNLV 46.7% to 40.5%, the Lobos struggled with second-chance points and free throws, trailing UNLV 9-0 in second-chance points and 7-3 in free throws.
The third quarter began with UNLV quickly extending their lead to 11 points. However, a determined Hargrove led a 7-0 run, including free throws and a basket by Magalhães, to cut the deficit to four points. UNM continued to chip away, with Hooks hitting a three-pointer to bring the game within three. By the end of the third quarter, Hooks’ basket tied the game at 58.
Despite a strong start to the fourth quarter, with Paris Lauro and Hooks putting UNM ahead 64-60, the Lady Rebels tied the game at 64. A devastating 17-0 run by UNLV, marked by five consecutive three-pointers, left the Lobos trailing 81-69. Hooks managed to score in the final minute, but it was too late as UNLV sealed the deal with a final score of 88-73.
With a record of 11-7 and 4-1 in MW play, the Lobos will have a bye on Wednesday before facing Colorado State on Saturday.
Men’s Basketball Challenges: Lobos Aim to Regain Momentum After Stunning Loss
After a strong start to the Mountain West season, the University of New Mexico’s men’s basketball team experienced a setback with a 71-70 defeat at the hands of San Jose State. This result marked the end of a notable seven-game winning streak, leaving the Lobos with a record of 14-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play.
The loss came down to the wire, with the Lobos jockeying for position in the final moments. Despite leading for much of the contest, a resilient late-game performance from the Spartans allowed them to secure the upset victory.
Lobo Leaders: Joseph and Dent Shine Bright
Nelly Junior Joseph stood out with a commanding performance, registering 20 points. Donovan Dent supported the effort with 17 points and five assists, contributing to a competitive scoreline throughout the match.
Early in the contest, the Lobos surged to a 14-4 lead, aided by a strong offensive display. However, the Spartans responded with a significant run, closing the margin to just one possession as the game progressed. By the end of the first half, UNM held a slight edge, leading 35-31, thanks to Joseph’s effective scoring.
The second half proved to be unpredictable, with San Jose State taking their first lead of the game shortly after the restart. The two teams traded baskets before the Lobos managed to establish a small lead, noticeably led by key shots from Mustapha Amzil.
Despite regaining momentum with Amzil’s three-pointer, the Lobos could not maintain their lead. A late San Jose State putback ensured they would clinch the victory with mere seconds remaining, highlighting the game’s competitive nature.
Head Coach Richard Pitino expressed disappointment regarding the loss, particularly noting the Lobos’ struggles with securing rebounds during critical final possessions. With this defeat, the Lobos have snapped their Mountain West win streak, previously extending to 10—demonstrating their resilience despite the setback.
As the team prepares to regroup, they will host Boise State for a crucial matchup on Friday, looking to bounce back and assert their dominance in the conference.
Habtom Samuel Recognized in Preseason Watch for Bowerman Award
In a remarkable display of talent, Habtom Samuel of the New Mexico track and field team has been named to the preseason watch list for the prestigious Bowerman Award, as announced Thursday. This accolade, recognizing the top collegiate athletes in track and field, is a testament to Samuel’s impressive performance last season, where he finished as a semifinalist.
Samuel’s achievements place him in elite company, as he becomes only the second male athlete from New Mexico to make the Bowerman Watch List in consecutive years. The caliber of performances required for this honor is exceptionally high, aiming to celebrate the most outstanding collegiate athletes across indoor and outdoor competitions.
Breaking Down Samuel’s Accomplishments
During his freshman year alone, Samuel established himself as a formidable competitor, clinching Mountain West titles in the indoor 3,000m and 5,000m, while also securing First Team All-American honors at Indoor Nationals. His achievements continued outdoors, where he earned a national title in the 10,000m and finished sixth in the 5,000m at NCAA championships.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Samuel has consistently showcased elite-level performance, earning the title of Mountain West Champion and further recognition as NCAA XC Runner-Up. His selection to the Bowerman Watch List bodes well for his continued success as he aims for further accolades in the upcoming track season.
As the Bowerman Advisory Board continues to evaluate collegiate talent, the final selections for the award will be unveiled later in June. Should Samuel achieve finalist status, he would make history as the first athlete from New Mexico to earn this distinction.
Lobos Baseball Prepares for 2025 MLB Desert Invitational
Excitement surrounds the University of New Mexico baseball team as tickets for the 2025 MLB Desert Invitational have officially gone on sale. This prominent Arizona-based tournament will feature the Lobos kicking off their season with three matchups against formidable opponents at renowned venues such as Sloan Park in Mesa and Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.
Scheduled for February 14-16, the tournament will feature New Mexico facing off against Austin Peay, UC Irvine, and Seton Hall, marking a significant opportunity for the Lobos to position themselves favorably early in the season.
Building Momentum for a Successful Season
The Lobos are coming off a promising season, finishing with a record of 28-26 and making their first Mountain West Tournament appearance since 2017. Over the past year, UNM positioned themselves as one of the nation’s most productive offensive teams, boasting a team batting average that ranked among the highest in the nation.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Tod Brown, who enters his fourth year, the program looks forward to building on its recent successes. The return of key players, including 2024 MW batting leader Khalil Walker, promises to bolster the Lobos’ offense as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in their conference.
As the Mountain West expands to an eight-team league for baseball with the addition of Washington State, the competition remains fierce. The expansion of the conference tournament format further emphasizes the potential for thrilling matchups ahead.
With games televised via MLB.TV and the MLB Network, fans can expect comprehensive coverage of all the action. Tickets for UNM’s home games will soon be available, showcasing a thrilling season of Lobos baseball.
Upcoming Matches and Events for the Lobos
The University of New Mexico Lobos are set for an exciting array of competitions across different sports. The men’s basketball team will host Boise State on Friday night, followed by a thrilling home matchup against Fresno State on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As momentum builds for all teams, the Lobos are determined to showcase their athletic prowess and deliver unforgettable performances.
Lobos fans can find tickets and stay updated on all events through GoLobos.com, where you can also discover the latest news on team performances, upcoming schedules, and promotional events throughout the season.
