Preview: Can Coach Eck Rewrite the Final Chapter?

The 2025 "Jason Eck Appreciation Tour" has arrived at its grandest stage yet, but a shadow of historical caution hangs over Phoenix. As New Mexico (9-3) prepares to face Minnesota (7-5) in Friday’s Rate Bowl, the stakes are more than just a trophy—they are a chance to shatter decades of "what-ifs."

The Lobos enter the desert on a blistering six-game win streak, but history suggests they are walking into a trap they’ve seen before. Back in 2003, a confident UNM squad was dismantled by a "middle-of-the-pack" Oregon State team in the Las Vegas Bowl. That day, the physical gap between the Mountain West and the Power Four was laid bare as Steven Jackson ran wild. Now, a battle-hardened Gophers squad—led by P.J. Fleck and a defense featuring elite edge rusher Anthony Smith—stands in the way, favored by 2.5 points despite the Lobos' momentum.

It truly is the season of opportunity in The Pit, and on Saturday night Milos Vicentic made the most of his. With injuries thinning New Mexico’s rotations, the graduate senior delivered a breakout performance - scoring a team high 19 points in just 17 minutes of action. The Lobos powered past San Jose State in the Mountain West opener.

ALBUQUERQUE—UNM men’s basketball opens the final chapter of the Mountain West Conference’s current lineup Saturday night at The Pit, hosting San Jose State in the league opener. The Spartans nearly stole a win in Albuquerque last season, leading for most of the game before the Lobos rallied late, and they arrive again as a dangerous, grind-it-out opponent under longtime coach Tim Miles. San Jose State plays at one of the slowest tempos in the country, relies heavily on mid-range scoring, and is coming off a competitive loss at Stanford after nearly erasing a late 14-point deficit. The Spartans are led by Mountain West scoring standout Colby Garland and strong offensive rebounding from forward Yaphet Mouandi. For UNM, injuries and player availability loom as key storylines, while shot selection and ball security remain points of emphasis. With San Jose State rated as a Quad 4 opponent, the opener represents a must-win opportunity as the Lobos begin their final Mountain West ride.

The New Mexico Bowl is a local treasure, but it isn't where recruits' dreams are made. As the Lobos prepare to take over Chase Field against Minnesota, it’s clear that the program has outgrown its backyard. With the Mountain West landscape shifting and expectations soaring, it’s time for UNM fans to embrace a new holiday tradition: winning on the national stage.

The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team walked the tightrope of a classic "trap game" on Sunday, making their escape from Florida Gulf Coast with a 75-59 victory—but not without paying a price. In front of 12,204 anxious fans in the Pit, the Lobos were visibly flat in the first half and, more alarmingly, saw two key players, Tomislav Buljan and Chris Howell, exit with first-half leg injuries.

Yet, out of adversity, a compelling narrative of resilience and newfound depth emerged. Key support came from JT Rock, who delivered a go-ahead 3-pointer and a game-changing block in the final minutes. Despite a 10-0 VCU run that erased UNM’s 10-point lead, the Lobos held firm behind Hall’s fifth three and a final defensive stop. UNM also limited VCU shooter Terrence Hill Jr. for most of the game.

The Lobos are back in action on Sunday in The Pit at 2:00 pm vs. Florida Gulf Coast.

RICHMOND, VA—UNM escaped Richmond with an 81–78 win over VCU, thanks largely to a dominant scoring stretch from Jake Hall, who finished with 24 points in his fourth 20-point game as a Lobo. Hall scored 19 of those points during a crucial run that flipped a first-half deficit into a second-half lead, but foul trouble derailed his night as he picked up four personals early in the half. The Lobos battled whistles throughout, with Tomislav Buljan and Deyton Albury also reaching four fouls.

Key support came from JT Rock, who delivered a go-ahead 3-pointer and a game-changing block in the final minutes. Despite a 10-0 VCU run that erased UNM’s 10-point lead, the Lobos held firm behind Hall’s fifth three and a final defensive stop. UNM also limited VCU shooter Terrence Hill Jr. for most of the game.

The Lobos are back in action on Sunday in The Pit at 2:00 pm vs. Florida Gulf Coast.

RICHMOND, VA—New Mexico faces another tough road test Wednesday, visiting a VCU team undefeated at home and ranked No. 41 in KenPom. The Siegel Center—one of college basketball’s loudest mid-major arenas—has fueled major runs for the Rams, who have posted bursts of 14–0, 20–6 and 27–6 in home wins.

VCU’s depth and pressure defense define the matchup. Eleven players average 13+ minutes, and the Rams rank 15th nationally in defensive efficiency while forcing nearly 15 turnovers per game. Offensively, they spread scoring among five players averaging 9–13 points, led by sharpshooter Terrence Hill Jr. (51% from three).

For UNM, the keys are clear: protect the ball, attack the paint, and crash the offensive glass—areas where teams have found success against VCU. After struggling in their first true road test against NMSU, the Lobos get another chance to earn a statement win.

ALBUQUERQUE—The New Mexico Lobos delivered their most complete performance of the season, overwhelming Santa Clara 98–71 at The Pit in a display of relentless defensive pressure and efficient scoring. Lobo guard Deyton Albury set the tone early, finishing with a season-high 22 points while spearheading a defensive effort that forced 15 turnovers and produced 19 points the other way. UNM’s pressure disrupted the Broncos throughout the night, holding them to 38% shooting from the field and just 22% from three. The Lobos turned stops into offense, racking up 29 fast-break points fueled by 12 steals and strong rebounding. Tomislav Buljan added a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards, showing no signs of his recent ankle injury. UNM also maintained its hot perimeter shooting, knocking down 9 of 23 attempts. With contributions across the roster, the Lobos controlled the game’s pace from start to finish.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.