ALBUQUERQUE, NM—With six regular-season games remaining, New Mexico Lobos men's basketball sit squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble and enter Tuesday as 27.5-point favorites over the struggling Air Force Falcons men's basketball. UNM won the first meeting 91–49 and is projected by KenPom to win 86–57. Air Force is 0–14 in conference play with an average margin of defeat of 26 points, though freshman Lucas Hobin (58 made 3-pointers) and leading scorer Kam Sanders (11.6 ppg) provide perimeter threats. For the Lobos, a dominant defensive showing is essential after surrendering a 20-point lead against GCU last week.

PHOENIX, AZ—On a night where Grand Canyon University’s "Havocs" expected to rule the arena, New Mexico’s Jake Hall had other plans. From shattering a decade-old Mountain West record to drilling a step-back jumper that saved a collapsing 20-point lead, Hall proved why he is the conference's most dangerous freshman in a gritty road win over the Lopes.

PHOENIX, AZ—UNM’s trip to Grand Canyon will hinge on whether the Lobos can rediscover their defensive edge. In the first meeting, they controlled the glass, protected the paint and wore down GCU’s guards, but recent struggles—particularly defending ball screens—have exposed cracks. The Lopes will test UNM inside with Efe Demirel and attack downhill through Jaden Henley and Makhai Williams. Communication, toughness at the point of attack and rebounding will be critical in a hostile environment. If the Lobos can defend without fouling, limit second chances and tighten their pick-and-roll coverage, they can reestablish the identity that fueled their early-season success and walk out of GCU arena with a Quad 1 win.

The "Us Against the World" Mentality

The upcoming matchup serves as a pivotal "get back" game for the Lopes, who currently sit at 15-8 (8-4 MWC). After a frustrating step back against UNLV, Bryce Drew’s squad is leaning on a defense that once ranked 19th nationally in KenPom efficiency. To crack the top tier of the conference, GCU must replicate the physical, perimeter-first "toughness" that has defined their climb, anchored by Nana Owusu-Anane’s interior presence—essentially acting as a "middle linebacker" for the unit.

Following a weekend where the "blender" of conference play claimed victims on both sides, this Q&A with Go Lopes Radio dives into the tactical adjustments and mental hurdles defining the stretch run.

Boise State’s hot shooting from deep proved decisive in a 91–90 win over UNM, marking the Lobos’ second consecutive loss. The Broncos tied a Pit record with 15 made 3-pointers, exploiting UNM’s defensive lapses throughout the night. Dylan Andrews scored a game-high 33 points and iced the game at the line, while Drew Fielder chipped in 18 points with five threes. UNM erased a second-half deficit and had chances late, but came up short despite a 30-point effort from Luke Haupt. The loss dropped UNM to third place in the Mountain West standings.

After a tough 86-66 loss to Utah State, UNM men’s basketball looks to bounce back against Boise State at the Pit. The Lobos, 18-5 overall and 9-3 in Mountain West play, remain in contention for a top-five conference tournament seed and a potential NCAA at-large bid. Head coach Eric Olen emphasized execution and performance as keys to success. UNM struggled offensively in the first meeting with Boise, shooting season lows in points and field goal percentage. To win, the Lobos must push in transition, involve Tomislav Buljan early, and finish at the rim against a big, rebounding-heavy Broncos team.

UNM’s struggles intensified after halftime as a competitive 36-33 edge for Utah State unraveled into a second-half collapse against for the Lobos. UNM managed just one point from freshman Jake Hall in the final 20 minutes as the Aggies’ extended defense took away perimeter looks and contested every shot in the paint. Missed free throws, limited second-half field goal attempts, and a 37-28 rebounding deficit compounded the issues, allowing Utah State to control tempo and generate 14 second-chance points. Despite Tomislav Buljan’s team-high 17 points, many came after the outcome was decided. The loss snapped UNM’s 23-game home winning streak.

ALBUQUERQUE—New Mexico men’s basketball will defend its 23-game home winning streak Wednesday night when it hosts Utah State in a first-place showdown at the Pit. The Aggies are the highest-rated opponent UNM has faced at home this season, ranking No. 27 in the NET and No. 33 in KenPom, and boast the Mountain West’s top offense at 84.5 points per game. Utah State’s attack is driven by efficiency, ball movement, and depth, led by Mason Falslev and MJ Collins. With the conference race tied atop the standings, protecting home court is critical for the Lobos’ title hopes.

SAN JOSE, CA— The road to the top of the Mountain West ran through the cellar on Saturday night, but for the New Mexico Lobos, the ascent was anything but steep—provided your name was Jake Hall.

While the Lobos struggled to shake a gritty, injury-depleted San Jose State squad, their freshman sensation ignited from deep, pouring in a career-high 27 points on a blistering 7-of-9 from beyond the arc. The 90-80 victory, combined with Utah State’s takedown of San Diego State, has officially ignited a fire at the summit of the conference standings.

We now have a logjam at the peak: New Mexico, Utah State, and San Diego State all sit deadlocked at 9-2.

SAN JOSE, CA—New Mexico faces San Jose State looking to capitalize on a struggling Spartans team that has lost 10 of its last 11 games, though coach Tim Miles’ squad is showing signs of improved health. UNM men’s basketball coach Eric Olen emphasized the need to limit big performances, after San Jose State guard Colby Garland scored 31 points in the teams’ first meeting. Garland leads the Spartans with 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game, while guard Alvaro Washington averages 11.6 points. San Jose State is coming off a 30-plus point home loss to Boise State.

LAS VEGAS—UNM men’s basketball delivered a dominant performance in Las Vegas, routing rival UNLV 89–61 at the Thomas & Mack Center to improve to 17–4 overall and 8–2 in Mountain West play. The 29-point margin marked the Lobos’ largest win over the Runnin’ Rebels in 72 meetings. UNM seized control early behind a 13–2 first-half run sparked by Tomislav Buljan and never let UNLV find a rhythm. The Lobos finished with 44 points in the paint, forced 11 first-half turnovers, and recorded 21 assists. Buljan led UNM with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

LAS VEGAS—UNM heads to Las Vegas seeking a key Mountain West road win against a talented but inconsistent UNLV team. The Runnin’ Rebels, under first-year coach Josh Pastner, have shown a high ceiling with wins over Stanford and Utah State but also costly losses to lesser opponents. UNLV struggles with discipline and efficiency, particularly at the free-throw line, despite ranking seventh nationally in attempts. Guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn leads the offense, while Emmanuel Stephen and Tyrin Jones provide size inside. For UNM, taking care of the ball, handling UNLV’s athleticism, and defending the three-point line will be critical.

Steve Alford’s return to the Pit headlined an emotional Throwback Night as UNM held off his Nevada Wolfpack 80–73 before a season-high crowd of 14,639. Alford, once the face of Lobo basketball, was greeted with loud boos as Nevada briefly seized control with a 9–0 run to open the second half. UNM responded behind freshman Jake Hall, who scored 16 of his 19 points after halftime and stretched the defense with five three-pointers. That surge opened the floor for the Lobos to rally. Deyton Albury delivered the late dagger, sealing UNM’s 23rd straight home win.

He’s heard the roars that shook the grounds in Albuquerque, and he’s heard the boos that burned with the sting of betrayal. On Saturday night, Steve Alford—the most successful coach in University of New Mexico history—descends the famous ramp into The Pit once more.

But this isn’t just another game on the schedule. It’s a high-stakes Mountain West collision draped in the nostalgia of "Retro Night." As the Lobos don their throwback threads, the atmosphere will be a volatile mix of reverence for the man who put UNM back on the national map and the lingering resentment over his midnight exit for UCLA.

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.

In a clash that lived up to two decades of rivalry, the University of New Mexico stood on the precipice of a stunning comeback and a share of the Mountain West lead. After erasing a 15-point deficit in the hostile confines of Viejas Arena, the Lobos had the ball and the momentum in a tied game with under 40 seconds to play. But in a heartbreak defined by inches, a single steal by SDSU’s Miles Byrd turned a potential New Mexico triumph into a 83-79 Aztec victory, leaving the Lobos wondering what might have been.

A Mountain West Swan Song: The Show Must Go On (One Last Time)

The "Show" is preparing for its final curtain call against an old rival. On Saturday, the University of New Mexico ventures into the hostile cauldron of Viejas Arena for the last time as Mountain West foes, facing a San Diego State program that has long been the league's gold standard. With the Aztecs bound for the Pac-12 next season, this mid-January clash carries the weight of a championship final.

ALBUQUERQUE—UNM men’s basketball used stifling second-half defense and a smart offensive adjustment to defeat Grand Canyon 87–64 Tuesday at The Pit. After a tight first half, the Lobos clamped down defensively, holding the Lopes to 28% shooting and forcing tough, contested looks. Offensively, UNM countered GCU’s pick-and-roll drop coverage with mid-range jumpers and consistent trips to the free throw line, led by Jake Hall and Uriah Tenette. Strong physical play, balanced scoring, and impactful minutes from JT Rock helped UNM pull away and extend its home winning streak to 21 games.

The Mountain West conference’s newest rivalry tips off Tuesday night in the Pit, where UNM looks to remind Grand Canyon why coming to Albuquerque remains one of the league’s toughest road trips.

The Lopes (10-5) have started strong in their first season in the Mountain West conference and stand at 3-1 in league play. They are on a two-game win streak, having won 75-58 at Boise State on Wednesday, followed by a 76-58 victory at home against San Jose State on Saturday.