FRESNO, CA—UNM men’s basketball authored the largest comeback in program history Saturday night, erasing a 22-point first-half deficit to defeat Fresno State 80-78 on the road. Jake Hall delivered the decisive moment, drilling a fadeaway jumper with 20 seconds left to seal the win and bolster UNM’s NCAA Tournament résumé. Deyton Albury fueled the rally with 21 points, eight rebounds and relentless two-way play. After surrendering 67% shooting in the first half, the Lobos tightened defensively, holding Fresno State to 44% after the break and closing the game with poise to secure a statement victory.

FRESNO, CA—UNM men’s basketball faces a key road test at Fresno State, where point guard Zaon Collins will challenge the Lobos’ defense. Collins, a master of the pick-and-roll, averages 12 points and 4.6 assists per game, ranking second in the Mountain West in assists. UNM’s recent struggles defending ball screens have allowed opposing guards to penetrate and create easy scoring opportunities, a trend they’ll need to correct. The Lobos must tighten rotations, limit dribble penetration, and control the paint to contain Collins and Fresno State’s offensive threats.

UNM men’s basketball defeated Fresno State 83–74 on Wednesday in the Pit, but the game was overshadowed by heavy officiating. Mountain West officials called 39 combined fouls, including 16 on UNM in the second half, prompting head coach Eric Olen to receive just the third technical foul of his career. Despite late whistles allowing Fresno State to close the margin, the Lobos controlled the game behind a dominant defensive effort. UNM forced 22 turnovers, recorded a season-high 18 steals and turned those into 29 points, improving to another conference win ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Nevada.

Fresno State enters The Pit as one of the Mountain West’s most improved teams, posing a potential challenge for UNM after its loss to San Diego State. Under second-year coach Vance Whalberg, the Bulldogs have rebounded from a disastrous 2023 season and sit at 9-9 overall, winners of three of their last four. Led by high-scoring guard Jake Heidbreder and versatile playmaker Zaon Collins, Fresno has improved defensively and forces turnovers at a high rate. Despite shooting inconsistencies, their recent momentum and balanced roster make them a dangerous opponent for the Lobos.