NEW MEXICO GAME NOTES | MOUNTAIN WEST NOTES | LIVE STATS | LIVE AUDIO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The (-/RV) University of New Mexico men’s basketball team (3-1) is set to face the Nicholls State Colonels (1-2) and celebrate Nike N7 and American Indian Night Wednesday at 7 p.m. in WisePies Arena.
The Lobos are coming off their first loss of the season on the road at USC Saturday, 90-82. The Lobos were down 21 points in the second half and made it a five-point game in the final two minutes, but could not complete the comeback. Head coach Craig Neal’s message to the team during Monday’s practice was, “we lost…Big whoop…We’ll make it up.”
Even with the loss, the Lobos have had a strong 3-1 start to the season despite facing two conference favorites and playing two tough road games. The Lobos gained more clout nationally, moving up to three points in the USA Today Coaches Poll, released Monday afternoon.
The Lobos’ tough slate does not let up, with Nicholls State already showing some punch in the early season. They hold a wide victory over Mobile at home, 80-58, and although they have two losses, they have come at Florida State and Hawaii. The Colonels will come into WisePies Arena with plenty of experience in hostile territory. On the court, Ja’Dante’ Frye has led the squad with 20.3 points per game, shooting .450/.400/.778.
Nike N7 and American Indian Night:
The Lobos will be celebrating Nike N7 and American Indian Night, in conjunction with Nike N7 to honor Native American Heritage Month. The Lobos will be playing in their custom turquoise jerseys, which represent harmony, friendship and fellowship in Native American Culture. The uniforms also compliment the Nike N7 Power of Perseverance Collection, recognizing the movement of sports on Native lands and driving awareness of Native American culture. If you wear turquoise at the time of purchase, you can receive a $10 ticket in Benches Rows 1-25 while supplies last.
The Nike N7 jersey’s will be auctioned off on the north concourse through halftime. Jersey proceeds will benefit the NB3 Foundation and the UNM American Indian Student Services Department.
The Coaches:
Craig Neal enters the game 3-1 on the season and a 45-24 overall record as a head coach. Neal has started each of his three seasons as head coach at 3-1. He has also helped the Lobos reach that mark in seven of nine seasons on the Lobo staff. Overall, his winning percentage of .652 ranks among the best in program history. Nicholls State is coached by JP Piper in his 11th season. The 2006-07 Southland Coach of the Year, Piper has led the Colonels to seven straight Southland Tournament appearances.
Series History:
New Mexico and Nicholls State will face off Wednesday for just the second time in program history. The only game in the series history was played on Nov. 20, 2009 in WisePies Arena. The Lobos earned a victory, 83-59. It was the opening night of the New Mexico hosted 2009 World Vision Classic, in which the Lobos also faced Louisiana Tech. Both current head coaches were on the bench for that contest.
Broadcast Information:
The game will be televised on ROOTS SPORTS. The broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. MT and air exclusively on ROOT SPORTS in most areas of New Mexico, as well as Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and portions of South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. The game may also be available in additional markets, so please check your local listings.
For fans tuning in on the radio, Robert Portnoy will give the play-by-play action alongside analyst and Lobo great Hunter Greene on 770 KKOB, the flagship station of the New Mexico Lobos. This feed will also be available via the TuneIn Radio App.