At 4-0, the New Mexico Lobos (0-0, 4-0) are riding their best start to a season since 2012. The Lobo team that year ultimately went 12-0 before suffering their first loss. This year’s team has a long road ahead of them before they even get close to matching that run, but there’s a belief that they could accomplish great things.
Through four games this season, the Lobos have had five players finish with double-digit points three times. The scoring has been spread around the team, with three different players being the high scorer. This time it was Senior Corey Manigault leading the charge with 24 points off the bench while Carlton Bragg dominated the glass, registering 18 rebounds.
Even with the standout performances, the Lobos struggled to convert from at times and shot a season-low 47.5% from the field.
The Lobos will need to perform better at the offensive end as they embark on their first road trip of the season. Their next four games are all on the road with the first against the undefeated UTEP Miners (0-0, 3-0) at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso TX. UTEP has had an interesting start to their season. Each of their first three games was against teams from New Mexico.
Having already beaten NM Highlands, New Mexico State and Eastern New Mexico, a win over the Lobos would give the Miners a chance at a clean sweep over the state.
For them to do so, UTEP will need to rely heavily on junior Bryson Williams (16.0 ppg) in the front court. It’s hard to gauge just how good this UTEP team is having played two Division II schools. While they have only allowed 59 points per game so far this season, they face a much Lobo offense that is easily a step up from their earlier opponents. The Miners’ best bet at defeating the Lobos, who are favored to win, is to slow the pace and keep UNM from running the floor.
The game will be broadcast via live stream courtesy of CUSATV (Conference USA TV). Locally, the Lobos can be heard on 770 KKOB-AM. The Tuesday night matchup will tip-off at 7 p.m. Mountain Time.
