Lobos Host Rivalry Rematch vs NMSU Saturday
New Mexico vs New Mexico State
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 – 7 p.m.
Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit (Capacity: 15,411)
TV: ESPN3
Radio: 770 KKOB-AM Lobo Radio Network
UNM NOTES | NMSU NOTES | LISTEN | LIVE STATS | TICKETS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team will host its in-state rival in one of the most formidable venues in the country on Saturday as the Lobos host the New Mexico State Aggies in a Rio Grande Rivalry rematch at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
The Lobos fell on the road at NMSU in November, handed a 19-point loss in Las Cruces in head UNM coach Paul Weir’s first return back to the Pan American Center – and just his third game as UNM’s head coach. The game also marked UNM’s first away matchup of the season for a squad full of new players.
UNM hopes to have enough season under its belt to take on the Aggies on Saturday with confidence. Despite Friday’s announcement by Coach Weir in a press conference that senior Sam Logwood is improbable for Saturday’s game, the Lobos have been posting outstanding numbers at home and remain among the top 10 teams in the nation in turnover margin (4th, 7.2), turnovers forced (6th, 20.67) and 3-point field goals per game (9th, 11.4) on the season.
At home, UNM is 3-1 and six Lobos average scoring in double figures within the confines of The Pit. Those double-digit scorers include Chris McNeal (18.8), Troy Simons (15.0), Anthony Mathis (11.5), Antino Jackson (10.3) and Makuach Maluach (10.3).
As a team, UNM outscores its opponents at home by a 28.5 margin, shoots 50.3 percent from the floor and posts a 43.1 percentage from 3-point range.
LOBOS IN THE NATION
The Lobos are performing well in many categories in comparison to the rest of the nation’s teams. Here is a look at where the Lobos stack up nationally in key categories:
-4th – turnover margin (7.2)
-6th – turnovers forced (20.67)
-9th – 3-point field goals per game (11.4)
-24th – steals per game (8.8)
Individuals:
-23rd – Anthony Mathis – 3-point field goal percentage (50.0)
-26th – Troy Simons – steals per game (2.33)
SERIES HISTORY
The heat between the Lobos and the Aggies has been ongoing since the early 1900s with the first meeting between the two squads occurring on December 22, 1904. It was a 21-9 victory for UNM and was followed by seven consecutive victories for the Lobos. NMSU earned its first win over New Mexico on Feb. 11, 1916 and went on a 10-win streak before UNM reclaimed the crown with 19 straight. The squads have continued to battle it out.
Until last season, when UNM fell on December 10, the Lobos had won their last five straight meetings with the the Aggies. The Lobos also dropped their opener against the Aggies this season on the road in November.
THE COACHES
UNM head coach Paul Weir enters the game 3-6 in his first season at the helm of the Lobos, 31-12 in his career. New Mexico State is led by Chris Jans in his first season with the Aggies, taking over for Weir. He is 6-2 at NMSU and 27-14 in his career.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday’s game will be available to watch live on ESPN3. Fans can also follow live via live stats (click here) or fans can also listen in on the radio. Robert Portnoy and former Lobo Hunter Greene will be on the call on 770 KKOB-AM (click here to listen).