The University of New Mexico Lobos have solidified their position as the top athletic program in the Mountain West following the release of the final Fall standings for the 2024 Learfield Directors’ Cup. Finishing 41st overall, the Lobos stand as the highest-ranked team in the Mountain West Conference and an impressive seventh among all non-Power 4 conference programs nationwide.
The Learfield Directors’ Cup, a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates collegiate athletic programs based on their performance across multiple sports, saw Georgetown claim the top spot among non-Power 4 schools. The Hoyas secured 220 points to land in 16th place overall, setting the standard outside the Power 4 conferences.
UNM’s strong showing was bolstered by two standout Top-10 finishes at the NCAA National Championships in cross country. The men’s cross country team placed seventh in the nation, contributing 72 points to the Lobos’ overall tally. Meanwhile, the women’s cross country squad added 69 points with a ninth-place finish, pushing the team’s total to 141 points. This performance ensured the Lobos’ dominance within the Mountain West and reaffirmed their status as a formidable force in collegiate athletics.
The next closest Mountain West competitor was Utah State, which amassed 77 total points, primarily through their men’s cross country (52 points) and women’s soccer (25 points) programs. The Aggies’ efforts placed them in a tie for 82nd overall. Other Mountain West programs in the standings included Boise State (104th), Colorado State and UNLV (tied at 118th), Wyoming (151st), and Fresno State and San José State (tied at 154th).
The Lobos’ remarkable fall campaign sets a strong foundation for the rest of the athletic year, as winter and spring sports look to build upon the momentum established by the cross country teams. With continued excellence across multiple disciplines, UNM aims to climb even higher in the Directors’ Cup standings as the year progresses.
Lobos Hold Off UNLV 75-73 to Improve to 9-1 in Mountain West
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The New Mexico men’s basketball team capped off the first half of their Mountain West Conference schedule with a dramatic 75-73 victory over UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Lobos (17-4, 9-1 MW) battled back from a late two-point deficit to secure their first road win against the Runnin’ Rebels (11-9, 5-4 MW) since 2018.
Standout performances from Donovan Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph fueled the Lobos’ triumph. Dent put up 34 points—his highest output against a conference opponent—marking his third 30-point game of the season. Joseph added his 10th double-double of the year with 22 points and a career-high 18 rebounds.
How It Happened
The Lobos came out strong, jumping to a 14-7 lead in the first five minutes. UNLV responded with a 9-2 run, tying the game at 16-16 with 11:15 left in the first half. UNM regained control with a 31-23 lead at the 4:30 mark, but UNLV fought back to even the score at 39-39 heading into halftime. Dent led the Lobos with 18 first-half points.
The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team gaining a decisive edge. The game was tied at 49-49 with 15 minutes to play, and UNM held a slim 66-63 lead with seven minutes remaining. UNLV briefly went ahead 72-70 with just over three minutes left, but Dent tied the game at the free-throw line. Joseph’s crucial putback with 2:05 to play gave UNM a 74-72 lead. The Rebels had a chance to tie with 1.3 seconds left, but after making the first free throw, Dedan Thomas Jr. missed the second, and Joseph secured the rebound to seal the win.
Lobo Notes
- Dent’s 34 points were the most by a Lobo in a Mountain West road game since Jaelen House’s 42-point performance at Air Force in 2022.
- Dent’s streak of recording at least 10 points and four assists in every game ended, as he finished with a season-low two assists.
- Filip Borovicanin led the team with three assists, marking the first time this season Dent did not lead the Lobos in that category.
- Dent’s 18 first-half points were the most by a Lobo in an opening half since Jaelen House’s 26 against New Mexico State on Dec. 2, 2023.
- The victory marked UNM’s seventh Quad 2 win of the season and its eighth Quad 1/2 win, matching last season’s total.
Quotable
“That was an incredible second half and a huge win. Donovan, offensively, was phenomenal. Nelly was a hero, 18 rebounds and did some amazing things. Donovan and DJ Thomas, those are two of the better point guards you will ever see, and they both showed it today. UNLV is really good, and we just had to find a way to get a win. It was one of those games where we weren’t making a lot of shots, and the first half was choppy with all the free throws. We were great at the rim today, and that was a big reason why we won.” – Richard Pitino
Up Next
The Lobos will have a week off before facing Utah State (8-1 MW) next Saturday. They return home to host Colorado State (6-2 MW) on Feb. 5. Tickets are available at GoLobos.com/tickets.
Donovan Dent Named Mountain West Player of the Week
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — New Mexico’s Donovan Dent has been named the Mountain West Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday. Dent was recognized for his outstanding performances in victories over Fresno State and UNLV, helping keep the Lobos atop the conference standings.
This is Dent’s third Player of the Week honor of the season, having previously been recognized on Dec. 23 and Jan. 13. It is also the fourth of his career, making him the first Lobo to earn three Player of the Week awards in a single season since Elijah Brown in 2015-16. Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph have now combined for five Mountain West Player of the Week awards this season, tying UNM’s record for most in a single year.
Over the past two games, Dent has averaged 27.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 57.9% from the field and 88.9% from the free-throw line. His contributions have been instrumental in UNM’s 9-1 start in conference play, matching the program’s best-ever Mountain West start.
Dent’s standout performances included a 20-point, nine-assist, zero-turnover outing in the 95-67 victory over Fresno State. In the 75-73 win over UNLV, he poured in a conference career-high 34 points, the most by any player in a Mountain West game this season. Dent is the only player in the nation with three 30-point games and three 10-assist games this season.
Lobos Set GPA Records Across The Board
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — For the third consecutive semester, Lobo student-athletes have set a total department GPA record, achieving an impressive 3.55 GPA. This milestone was driven by record-setting marks for both male and female student-athletes. Overall, four programs set individual records, while 10 programs posted top-five all-time GPAs. Notably, for the first time in school history, every UNM athletic program surpassed a 3.0 GPA.
The 3.55 GPA ties the all-time department record set in the Spring 2020 semester, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic’s pass/fail grading system. Last semester, Lobo student-athletes achieved a 3.47 GPA, which was the highest non-COVID semester GPA in school history. Male student-athletes set a new benchmark with a 3.44 GPA, surpassing the previous record from Spring 2020. Meanwhile, female student-athletes recorded a 3.69 GPA, marking the third consecutive semester they set a new non-COVID semester record.
This marks the 33rd consecutive semester in which Lobo student-athletes have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA, a streak dating back to Fall 2008. Additionally, 99 student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, while 360 recorded a 3.0 or higher. UNM’s female student-athletes have now achieved at least a 3.4 GPA for 29 straight semesters and a 3.5 GPA for 11 consecutive semesters.
UNM’s male student-athletes’ 3.44 GPA was a historic achievement and marked the 25th time in the last 26 semesters that they have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. The overall department success was bolstered by record-setting GPAs for the Lobo football and men’s basketball teams. Men’s basketball, in particular, posted a 3.19 GPA, representing the largest semester-to-semester improvement within the department.
Ten programs delivered top-five all-time GPAs, with men’s basketball, football, men’s golf, and women’s cross country/track & field setting program records. Men’s golf recorded the highest men’s GPA at 3.94, edging out men’s tennis (3.90). Women’s golf led all female programs with a 3.90 GPA, narrowly ahead of women’s soccer and women’s tennis (both at 3.82).
Lobos Fall to No. 5 Virginia in Opening Round of ITA Kickoff Classic
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The No. 5 University of Virginia Cavaliers showcased their national championship potential against the Lobos, securing a 4-0 victory in the opening round of the ITA Kickoff Classic. The Lobos will now face either No. 7 Duke or No. 20 South Carolina in the consolation round.
UNM faced an uphill battle against a formidable Virginia squad that featured three nationally-ranked doubles teams and three nationally-ranked singles players. In doubles, UVA secured the point by winning at both No. 1 and No. 2. In singles, No. 94 Martina Genis Salas defeated Sarah O’Connor, followed by No. 32 Annabelle Xu’s victory over Rebekkah Gaines at No. 1 singles, giving Virginia a 3-0 lead.
The clinching point came from Isabelle Lacy at No. 4 singles, where she bested Maria Sodre. Despite the shutout, UNM showed promise, particularly at No. 2 singles, where senior Maud Vandeputte was tied 6-4, 2-3 with No. 34 Elaine Chervinsky when the match was halted.
Notes: UNM’s next match is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time … Virginia improved to 5-0 on the season.
Lobos Drop Consolation Match at ITA Kickoff Classic
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The University of New Mexico wrapped up play at the ITA Kickoff Classic with a 4-0 loss to No. 20 South Carolina in the consolation round. Despite the defeat, the Lobos showed resilience, claiming a doubles match and competing strongly in singles play.
UNM nearly captured the doubles point, as Rebekkah Gaines and Maria Sodre secured a 6-2 victory at No. 1 doubles against Sarah Hamner and Lauren Friedman. Hamner, a top-20 doubles player, typically pairs with a different partner, making the win an impressive feat. However, UNM ultimately dropped the doubles point after Maud Vandeputte and Sofia Taborga fell 6-3 at No. 2.
In singles, South Carolina claimed victories at No. 1, No. 3, and No. 5, but the Lobos made the Gamecocks work for it. Vandeputte nearly took control at No. 2 singles, holding two break points for a 5-3 lead before falling 6-4. Maria Matsoukatidi also put up a fight, losing a close first set 7-5 and leading 2-1 in the second before the match was halted.
The Lobos will return home for three matches this weekend, facing Western New Mexico and CSU Pueblo on Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., followed by Gonzaga on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Lobos Stumble in Second Half, Fall to Boise State 89-80
BOISE, Idaho — A scorching first half wasn’t enough for the New Mexico Lobos, as they fell 89-80 to Boise State on Tuesday night. After racking up 54 points in the first 20 minutes and heading into halftime with a double-digit lead, UNM struggled in the second half, allowing the Broncos to mount a comeback.
Viané Cumber led all scorers with 23 points, drilling six three-pointers—her 13th career game with at least five triples. Hulda Joaquim added 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Destinee Hooks chipped in 10 points.
Hot Start for the Lobos
Boise State struck first, jumping out to a 7-0 lead before Cumber got UNM on the board with a three-pointer. The Lobos responded with a flurry, as Joaquim and Cumber fueled a run to tie the game at 10 midway through the opening quarter. UNM took control late in the period, closing on an 8-0 run to seize a 30-20 lead after the first.
Cumber and Joaquim paced the Lobos with eight points each in the first quarter, as UNM shot a blistering 60% from the field, including five three-pointers.
The Lobos kept rolling in the second quarter, stretching their lead to 33-23 before Boise State clawed back with a 7-0 run. Cumber kept UNM ahead with her hot shooting, hitting four threes in the quarter to lead a 13-2 Lobo surge before halftime. By the break, UNM had drained 11 three-pointers and shot 60% from the floor, taking a 54-43 advantage into the locker room.
Boise State’s Second-Half Surge
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Boise State stormed back. After UNM extended its lead to 58-48, the Broncos reeled off 12 straight points, tying the game and reclaiming the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter. A 28-10 third-quarter outburst put Boise State ahead 71-64 entering the final period.
UNM battled in the fourth, closing within five points on multiple occasions, but the Broncos never relinquished control. Boise State extended its lead to 11 with under four minutes remaining, sealing the victory with clutch free throws down the stretch.
What’s Next?
With the loss, the Lobos fall to 13-9 (6-3 MW) and will look to bounce back at home against San Diego State on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Lobos Falter in Fourth in Loss to Bulldogs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— Fresno State outscored the Lobos 27-7 in the fourth quarter, including a decisive 10-0 run following a tie at 61, as the Lobos fell 77-64 on Saturday afternoon in The Pit.
UNM led for nearly 20 minutes and held a 57-50 lead through the third quarter before struggling in the final period, making only two baskets and two free throws. Viané Cumber led the Lobos with 19 points, including four three-pointers, while Destinee Hooks added 17. Hulda Joaquim grabbed six rebounds and contributed eight points. Alyssa Hargrove recorded seven assists, and Joana Magalhães added three steals and three assists.
Despite a strong start and a 10-point lead late in the third quarter, Fresno State’s late surge proved too much. The Bulldogs closed the game with a dominant run, sealing the victory and handing the Lobos a tough home loss.
The Lobos will look to bounce back in their next matchup as they continue conference play.
Lobos Deliver Record-Breaking Performances at MLK Invite
The University of New Mexico Track & Field team put on a show at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Across two days of competition, the Lobos shattered multiple school records, delivered all-time top-10 performances, and earned Mountain West Athlete of the Week honors.
Day 1 Highlights: Taylor Sets 600m Record, Grieve and Young Shine
Hannah Taylor stole the spotlight with a program-record 1:32.38 in the 600m, surpassing the previous record set by teammate Rebecca Grieve in 2022. Grieve wasn’t far behind, posting a 24.02 in the 200m to tie for second all-time in program history. On the men’s side, Brodie Young climbed to third on the all-time indoor list with a converted 21.30 in the 200m.
In the pole vault, Jacquelyn Gorman set a personal best of 3.67m to finish second in the women’s “B” flight, while Kyle Hatler cleared 4.92m in the men’s “B” flight for a career-best mark. The long jump saw Lauren Fowler leap 6.05m, good for fourth place and just shy of her personal best.
Day 2 Highlights: Mile and 300m Records Fall
Day two brought fireworks in the mile. Freshmen Pamela Kosgei and Collins Kiprotich both made history, running the fastest indoor mile times at altitude in collegiate history. Kosgei’s 4:30.68 (converted) obliterated the previous school record by more than five seconds and ranks No. 4 nationally this season. Kiprotich’s 3:53.41 (converted) not only set a program record but also leads the Mountain West and ranks third nationally this year.
Brodie Young returned to the track to break the school’s 300m record with a blazing 32.79, while Grieve continued her stellar weekend with a 37.81 to claim the women’s 300m record.
Additional Performances
The Lobos delivered strong performances in several events:
- Men’s Triple Jump: Freshman Cameron Miller placed third with a 14.90m mark.
- Women’s 4x400m Relay: UNM’s “A” team clocked 3:46.15, a top-10 program time.
- Men’s Pole Vault: Freshman Aryan Milicija matched Hatler’s Day 1 mark of 4.92m, the best by a Lobo since 2022.
Mountain West Honors for Kosgei and Kiprotich
For their record-setting performances, Kosgei and Kiprotich were named Mountain West Track Athletes and Freshmen of the Week. This is the second weekly indoor honor for the duo, who have already made their mark during the cross-country and indoor seasons.
With momentum building, the Lobos look poised for an exciting season ahead. Follow all the action at GoLobos.com and @UNMLoboXCTF on social media for live updates and results.
