Lobos put 11-0 mark on line Saturday at Oklahoma
New Mexico at Oklahoma
1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017
Lloyd Noble Center – Norman, Okla.
TELEVISION: Fox Sports Oklahoma
UNM NOTES | OKLAHOMA NOTES | LISTEN | LIVE STATS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team’s record unbeaten start to the season will be put to one of its toughest tests as the Lobos hit the road to take on Oklahoma 1 p.m. (MT) Saturday at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
UNM’s 11-0 mark isn’t only a record to start the season, but also ties the longest winning streak in program history – something the Lobos have done twice (1977-78 and 2003-04).
The Lobos are coming off one of their most thrilling victories during this 11-game win streak to start the season as UNM fought off fellow undefeated Navy 94-87 in overtime Sunday in front of a season-best 6,763 fans at Dreamstyle Arena.
The Lobos outscored the Mids 12-5 in the overtime period after staving off a last-second, game-winning shot by Navy in regulation. UNM had five players finish in double figures in the victory, led by Cherise Beynon’s 20 points to go along with five assists and four steals. Tesha Buck scored 15 of her 18 points in the second half and overtime and added five assists and three steals, Jaisa Nunn picked up her seventh double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds, Alex Lapeyrolerie also had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while N’Dea Flye had 12 points, four rebounds and three steals.
The Lobos withstood 16 3-pointers (on 49 attempts) from Navy while UNM went 6-for-16 from long range. UNM shot 46.8 percent from the field and was 14-for-17 from the free-throw line.
Oklahoma snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating 16th-ranked South Florida 79-74 on Saturday in Norman. The Sooners, who lost to Oregon, Arkansas-Little Rock, Florida and South Dakota State during the losing skid, has faced a Mountain West opponent this season in Colorado State, beating the Rams 78-46 in Fort Collins.
The Sooners have used balanced scoring through the first nine games of the season as five Oklahoma players are averaging double figures. Vionise Pierre-Louis is leading the way at 16.3 points per game (she also leads the team in rebounding at 8.4 per game and blocks at 2.2 per contest). Gabbi Ortiz, who scored a game-high 31 points in Saturday’s win over No. 16 South Florida, is next on the team at 14.3 points per game and is Oklahoma’s most dangerous 3-point threat (31-for-73), Shaina Pellington is averaging 12.8 per game as is Maddie Manning while Ana Llanusa is averaging 10.8 points per contest.
As a team, the Sooners are averaging 77.8 points per game while allowing 76.2. A big advantage Oklahoma has had is getting to the free-throw line as the Sooners have shot 215 free throws compared to 171 for their opponents, though opposing teams are shooting 76 percent from the line and Oklahoma is shooting 68.8 percent.
SERIES HISTORY
The Lobos are 2-9 all-time against Oklahoma, including 1-4 in Norman. This will be UNM’s first game against the Sooners since Nov. 19, 2011 – a 58-56 loss to Oklahoma in Albuquerque. The Lobos’ lone win in Norman came Dec. 2, 1978 (70-67) with UNM’s other (and last win) against Oklahoma coming Nov. 28, 1995.
THE COACHES
The Lobos are led by head coach Mike Bradbury in his second season with UNM, his 11th season overall. Bradbury posts a career record of 204-132 and is 26-15 at the helm of the Lobos.
The Sooners are coached by Sherri Coal in her 22nd season with Oklahoma. Coal is 465-227 all-time with the Sooners.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday’s game will be available to watch live on Fox Sports Oklahoma. Fans can also follow live via live stats (click here) or fans can also listen in on the radio. Josh Suchon will be on the call on 610 AM (click here to listen).