NEWS
Cold Shooting, Costly Lapses End Lobos’ Season in NIT Semifinal Loss to Tulsa
INDIANAPOLIS, IA—New Mexico’s season came to a disappointing end with a 74–69 loss to Tulsa in the NIT semifinals, as defensive lapses and cold shooting proved too much to overcome. The Lobos struggled to contest Tulsa’s early three-point barrage and never fully adjusted, while shooting just 7-of-33 from deep themselves. Despite a strong second half from Jake Hall and a brief comeback to tie the game, UNM faltered late as Tulsa closed on a decisive 8-0 run that would be the difference in the game. The loss not only ended the Lobos’ postseason run but also raised questions about roster decisions, player futures, and the program’s direction moving forward.
UNM’s 3-Point Defense Put to the Test vs. Red-Hot Tulsa Offense
INDIANAPOLIS, IA—UNM men’s basketball will take on Tulsa in the NIT semifinal at Hinkle Fieldhouse with a trip to the championship on the line. The Golden Hurricane (29-7) bring one of the nation’s top offenses, averaging nearly 85 points per game behind elite three-point shooting. For the Lobos, success will hinge on limiting clean perimeter looks and disrupting Tulsa’s rhythm with defensive pressure. Offensively, UNM can exploit Tulsa’s lack of rim protection by attacking the paint. If the Lobos control tempo and win inside, they’ll have a strong chance to advance.
Lobos Protect Home Court One Last Time, Beat St. Joseph’s 84–69 to Advance to NIT Final Four
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—In their final game at the Pit this season, UNM rallied from a two-point halftime deficit to defeat St. Joseph’s 84–69 in the NIT quarterfinal. Tomislav Buljan led the Lobos with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jake Hall added 24 points and set the Mountain West freshman scoring record. After struggling offensively in the first half, UNM attacked the basket and dominated the free throw line in the second, going 18-of-22. St. Joseph’s cooled off from three-point range after halftime, helping UNM pull away. The Lobos now advance to face Tulsa in the NIT semifinal in Indianapolis.
Lobos Rally Without Albury, Dominate George Washington to Reach NIT Quarterfinal
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Shorthanded but unfazed, UNM men’s basketball delivered another dominating NIT performance in an 86-61 win over George Washington to advance to the NIT Quarterfinal. Without starting guard Deyton Albury and with Antonio Chol playing through injury, the Lobos leaned on depth, defense, and a dominant second-half surge to take control. Jake Hall sparked a decisive 10-0 run, while freshman Uriah Tenette continued his steady rise at point guard to finish with 15 points, six assists and no turnovers. Now, UNM turns its attention to St. Joesph’s, who came back from 19-point deficit at Cal and won 76-75. Tipoff is at 7 pm MT and the game will air on ESPN 2.