NEWS
Lobos Look to Stuff Santa Clara’s Stocking With a Loss in Holiday Showdown
ALBUQUERQUE—UNM faces one of its toughest tests of the season Saturday as Santa Clara brings an explosive, disciplined, and physically imposing roster into The Pit. For the Lobos to capitalize on a rare December Quad-1/Quad-2 home opportunity, they’ll need sharp execution on both ends of the floor. Offensively, UNM must finish strong at the rim or draw fouls against the Broncos’ elite rim protection, led by 7’1 Bukky Oboye and 6’9 Allen Graves. Ball security will be essential, as Santa Clara thrives on full-court pressure and averages 18 points off turnovers. The Lobos will also need to continue their recent hot shooting from deep.
Defensively, UNM must limit Santa Clara’s offensive rebounds and contest a barrage of three-pointers from shooters like Christian Hammond, Sash Gavalyugov, and Elijah Mahi. Finding the right matchups against Hammond and Mahi—Santa Clara’s top scorers—will be critical. A composed, physical effort could give UNM a statement win
GORDON: Lobo Nation is on Cloud Nine, But Can We Handle the Happiness?
The University of New Mexico Lobos just wrapped a sensational 9-3 regular season, securing a bowl bid for the first time since 2016 and proving they belong among the Mountain West elite. Head Coach Jason Eck—the newly minted Mountain West Coach of the Year—is locked down through 2030, and fan support is surging, leading the nation in year-over-year attendance growth. The vibes are, as they say, immaculate.
Yet, a shadow of uneasiness lingers. After years of heartbreak and the notorious departure of former basketball coach Steve Alford, Lobos fans have developed trust issues when it comes to keeping a winner.
UNM Shines Against Overmatched NMHU in 97–47 Win
ALBUQUERQUE—UNM turned in its most explosive performance of the season Monday, routing Division II New Mexico Highlands 97–47 at The Pit. The Lobos set season highs in points (97) and assists (26) while attempting a school-record 50 three-pointers, hitting 19 for 38%. Freshmen Jake Hall and Timeo Pons scored well from the 3-point line, with Hall posting back-to-back 20-point games. UNM’s defense forced 19 turnovers, generating 35 points, and held NMHU under 30% shooting from the field and 16% from three. Playing without leading rebounder Tomislav Buljan, the Lobos outrebounded the Cowboys 50–35, with all 11 players recording at least one rebound.
The Lobos Keep Leaving Shooters Open—and Opponents Keep Making Them Pay
ALBUQUERQUE—New Mexico’s paint-first defensive philosophy is increasingly being exploited by opponents who are feasting on open 3-pointers. Through seven games, the Lobos have twice lost after surrendering massive first-half or second-half runs from beyond the arc, including 50% shooting by New Mexico State and nine first-half threes by Nebraska. Overhelping on drives, late closeouts, and repeated ball-screen breakdowns have led to open looks that opponents are hitting at critical moments. Coach Olen has acknowledged scheme issues, as teams now attempt more threes than twos against UNM. The Lobos next host 0-7 Division II New Mexico Highlands, featuring several familiar New Mexico players
Double OT Victory Vs. San Diego State Gives Lobo Football Best Win in School History
A Victory for the Ages: Lobos Stun Aztecs in Double OT Thriller
This wasn't just a win—it was the greatest victory in University of New Mexico football history. In a heart-stopping double-overtime epic, the Lobos refused to die, battling through a devastating first-OT fumble and riding the deafening energy of 30,575 fans to a monumental 23-17 triumph over San Diego State.
New Mexico, San Diego State Meet With MW Football Championship Ramifications on the Line
Black Friday Showdown: New Mexico vs. San Diego State for MW Championship Chaos
Welcome to the Rocky Long Bowl!
On Black Friday, University Stadium hosts its most consequential game in years as the New Mexico Lobos (8-3) clash with the Mountain West-leading San Diego State Aztecs (9-2). This isn't just a rivalry game—it’s a winner-take-all scenario that will determine the host and participants of the Mountain West Championship.
UNM Athletic Director Lovo on Coach Eck Return for 2026: ‘We’re Not Planning on Ever Taking a Step Back’ for Lobo Football
Lovo on Eck’s Future: “We’re Not Planning on Ever Taking a Step Back” for Lobo Football
New Mexico Athletic Director Fernando Lovo found a gem in first-year coach Jason Eck, who has engineered a dramatic turnaround, putting the Lobos on the brink of their first outright conference title since 1963. Now, as the team prepares for a massive Black Friday game with championship implications, the question looms: Can UNM keep its coaching prodigy?
Success shines a national spotlight on Eck, whose name is already being linked to Power Four openings—a familiar and concerning narrative for Lobo fans who saw a first-year coach depart last year.
Second-Half Rally Helps Lobo Men’s Basketball Team Avoid Sting of a Hornets Upset
Escape from the Sting! Lobo Freshman Jake Hall Sparks Historic Second-Half Comeback
Trailing by a shocking 15 points in the second half—against a 20-point underdog no less—the University of New Mexico men's basketball team was on the brink of one of an embarrassing upset. Alabama State's Hornets had the Pit stunned, building a head-scratching 51-38 halftime lead behind a barrage of deep shots.
But freshman guard Jake Hall refused to let history be written that way.
New Mexico Men’s Basketball Team Looking To Feast on Alabama State on Thanksgiving Eve
Fresh off a gritty split in the Hall of Fame Classic—a tournament that tested their mettle against physical opponents—the New Mexico Lobos are hungry for a Thanksgiving Eve thumping against Alabama State.
While the Hornets (3-4) possess dangerous, high-usage guards in Micah Simpson and Asjon Anderson (both averaging 17 PPG), they've also been on the receiving end of several significant blowouts.
The Lobos (4-2) believe they're a "work in progress" that's finding its rhythm, particularly in shooting, and are currently the only team in the country to boast three freshmen averaging double-figure scoring. After navigating controversy and playing a clutch role on Friday, senior guard Deyton Albury is set to return to the starting lineup.
Cherry Crush Defense Helps Lobos Ground Air Force, Sets Up Huge Game Vs. SDSU
The Cherry Crush Continues: Lobos Ground Air Force, Set Up Massive Showdown
Rocky Long’s defenses ain’t got nothing on Jason Eck’s mean Cherry D machine. The New Mexico Lobos just pulled off their most dominant defensive victory in program history against Air Force, throttling the Falcons' potent rush attack in a commanding 20-3 win.
This victory—the team's fifth straight—was packed with history: the first win at Falcon Stadium since 2000 and the best 11-game record since 1997. But the real headline is what comes next: the Lobos' eight wins under first-year coach Jason Eck have set the stage for a dramatic showdown with San Diego State next Friday.
Buljan’s Record Night Lifts Lobos to 80–78 Win Over Mississippi State
Lobos Prevail in Classic Thriller: Buljan's Historic Night Seals UNM Win
In a grueling, back-and-forth battle, the UNM men’s basketball team showcased incredible toughness and poise to secure a tight 80-78 victory over Mississippi State in the Hall of Fame Classic consolation game. The contest featured 13 lead changes in a dramatic second half, but it was the Lobos who made the "winning plays down the stretch," as described by their coach.
The hero of the night was freshman Tomislav Buljan, who dominated the paint with a monumental, program-defining performance. Finishing with a season-high 19 points and 21 rebounds, Buljan shattered the UNM freshman rebounding record, a mark previously held by Kenny Thomas since 1996.
From Punchless to Punching Back: Lobos’ Second-Half Fight Not Enough in 84–72 Loss to the Cornhuskers
From Punchless to Punching Back: Lobos Find Grit in Tough Loss
The New Mexico Lobos went from "completely punchless" to a team full of fight in their 84-72 loss to Nebraska. A dismal first half saw UNM trailing 43-25, plagued by a barrage of Cornhuskers' three-pointers, 10 turnovers, and the embarrassing ejection of leading scorer Deyton Albury for a flagrant-2 foul.
But the second half was a different story. Behind a hot start from Jake Hall (who finished with a season-high 20 points) and Antonio Chol, the Lobos slashed a 20-point deficit down to just four points at 51-47, showing true grit and belief.
Lobos Hoping MW Football Title Hopes Won’t “Dessert” Them Due to Turnovers Vs. Air Force
Title Hopes on a Knife's Edge: Lobos Must Avoid the Sweet and Sour Taste of Turnovers
The Oxford Dictionary offers a delightful, pastry-based definition for the word "turnover"—a small, sweet pie. But for the 7-3 Lobos, who are fighting for a potential Mountain West Championship berth, the fourth definition—"a loss of possession of the ball to the opposing team"—is the only one that matters, and it threatens to sour their entire season.
Red-Hot, Veteran Nebraska Squad Awaits Lobos in Hall of Fame Classic
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — New Mexico heads into its matchup with Nebraska still searching for reliable rhythm on the offensive end. The Lobos’ shooting woes resurfaced against New Mexico State, where they managed just 41% from the field and 29% from three. Head coach Eric Olen has acknowledged the growing pains, noting that the team has yet to consistently reach its desired efficiency. “It’s a continual evolution for us offensively,” he said, stressing that the Lobos remain in the early stages of developing the scoring punch they need.
That challenge becomes even steeper against a Nebraska team built on defensive discipline and veteran experience. The Huskers enter the game ranked 55th nationally in defensive effective field-goal percentage and have held opponents to 38% shooting through four contests. With Nebraska’s size and senior-heavy lineup adding another layer of difficulty, New Mexico will need its offense to take a meaningful step forward to keep the matchup competitive.
Late Offensive Drought Dooms Lobos in 76–68 Loss to the Aggies
LAS CRUCES — The UNM men’s basketball team fell 76–68 to New Mexico State on Saturday. The game featured 12 ties and six lead changes before the Aggies’ pressure defense and hot second-half shooting took control. Senior Deyton Albury (18 points) and freshman Uriah Tenette (13) carried the Lobos offensively, combining for 17 of the team’s final 19 points, but UNM went scoreless after Albury fouled out with 1:56 remaining. NMSU outscored UNM 9–2 in the final three minutes behind big shots from Jemel Jones and Anthony Wrzeszcz, who powered an Aggie surge from the three-point line after halftime. UNM’s offensive rhythm suffered under NMSU’s aggressive ball pressure, contributing to 10 turnovers and a 37% first-half shooting mark. In front of a hostile crowd of 8,106, the Lobos struggled to execute late. UNM faces Nebraska next in the Hall of Fame Classic on Nov. 20
Imperfect Lobo Football Team Still Good Enough To Win the Tight Games
Imperfect, But Undeniable: Lobo Football Finds A Way To Win
There are two certainties about the University of New Mexico football team in this unbelievable 2025 season: the offense plays to its competition, and the defense always rises to the occasion.
That formula—sloppy offense, stellar defense—was on full display in Saturday's gritty 20-17 victory over Colorado State. Despite turning the ball over four times, the Lobos secured their fourth straight win and first winning season since 2016.
UNM Football Coach Eck on Elks, Rams, Lobo Fans and Hunting a Winning Season
The Hunt for Seven: Eck Fights Off 'Elk' Complacency as Lobos Seek History
As big game hunting season begins, UNM Football Coach Jason Eck is focused on a different, but equally crucial, quarry: a winning season. His Lobos (6-3) are heavy favorites against a wounded Colorado State Rams team (2-7), but Eck is acutely aware of the dangers of complacency.
"I think that's human nature," Eck mused, comparing his team's three-game winning streak to a caveman who, after bagging a few elk, might "relax a little bit." The Lobos are chasing their seventh win, which would guarantee their first winning record since 2016 and add to their list of historic achievements this season.
Rio Grande Rivalry Returns: Aggies, Lobos Renew Battle Saturday in Las Cruces
LAS CURCES —The UNM men’s basketball team is set to battle their in-state rival, New Mexico State Aggies, on Saturday at the Pan American Center. With guards Deyton Albury and Uriah Tenette still listed as day-to-day and no official update expected until warmups, the Lobo offense may once again depend on the physical play of Luke Haupt and Chris Howell. Haupt and Howell recently proved their ability to muscle into the lane, combining for 26 points against UC Riverside.
The Aggies, coached by Jason Hooten, are expected to ratchet up the defensive pressure. NMSU forced an impressive 43 turnovers in their first two games, continuing Hooten's blueprint of tough defense. NMSU is led by Cal State Bakersfield transfer Jemel Jones, who is averaging 23.5 points per game this season. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at 7 pm, with fans able to catch the action on ESPN+ or tune in via KKOB radio.
Shorthanded Lobos Dominate the Paint, Show Poise in Victory Ahead of Road Test
ALBUQUERQUE — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team powered past UC Riverside 82–68 Wednesday night in The Pit, using a dominant late second half to stay unbeaten. After the Highlanders tied the game at 53 with 11:30 to play, the Lobos responded with a decisive 14–0 run fueled by defense and fastbreak scoring. UCR guard Andrew Henderson kept the Highlanders close with 27 points and seven 3-pointer. The Lobos outscored the Highlanders 52–10 inside and shot a season-best 52% from the field. Chris Howell led UNM with 15 points, while Luke Haupt added 11 and drew seven fouls. Playing without injured guards Deyton Albury and Uriah Tenette, the Lobos still posted just five turnovers and had six players score in double figures. UNM travels to Las Cruces on Saturday for a rivalry matchup with New Mexico State.
Olen Faces a Familiar Foe as UC Riverside Visits the Lobos in The Pit
ALBUQUERQUE — First-year UNM head coach Eric Olen faces a familiar opponent Tuesday night as the undefeated Lobos host UC Riverside in The Pit. The Highlanders were the last team to hand Olen a regular-season loss, beating his UC San Diego squad 85-81 in January. Like UNM, UCR enters 2-0 with a rebuilt roster and new coaching staff, led by guard Marqui Worthy (18.5 ppg) and forward Osiris Grady (18 ppg). The matchup will test the Lobos’ interior defense and rebounding, as Riverside brings more size and depth than UNM’s previous opponents. Olen’s team has excelled at forcing turnovers — 44 through two games — but has struggled defending the rim and maintaining defensive intensity in second halves. The game, a Quad 4 opportunity for UNM and Quad 2 for UCR, offers the Lobos their toughest early-season challenge.