ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It took probably longer than head coach Craig Neal, or any other member of the Lobos wanted, but UNM got a huge game from Tim Williams with 20 points and 14 rebounds as UNM defeated the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds squad 88-66 in WisePies Arena – The Pit Friday night.
“I was really impressed with Eastern’s bravado,” said head coach Craig Neal. “…how hard they played, they came out really disciplined and played hard. I’ve got to give them a lot of credit. It was a good learning experience for us, we learned a lot of things about our team tonight. We’re going to continue to get better.”
Williams’ big night was complimented by Connor MacDougall, who battled through foul trouble to contribute nine points and four rebounds. Seven of those came on a crushing 16-2 run with 7:37 left to push a tense 59-57 Lobo lead into a comfortable 75-59 cushion at the under four-minute timeout.
UNM’s run came on the heels of hot shooting. After wrapping around halftime by going just 3-for-14 from the field, UNM closed by hitting 12 of its last 16. During the punishing 16-2 run, the Lobos hit six straight, including threes by Jordan Hunter and Damien Jefferson.
While the percentage was on 61.7 for the night, the Lobos outscored Eastern 29-13 from the stripe.
UNM’s inside game was in fine form throughout the night with Williams, Aget, MacDougall and Furstinger combining for 38 points and 28 rebounds. That more than counter-balanced what Eastern New Mexico was able to do from long distance. Eastern finished 11-of-30 from long range, but missed seven of its last nine attempts.
The Lobos led for the majority of the first half, and took a 32-23 lead on three-point play by Obij Aget, but Eastern New Mexico was fairly proficient from long range, hitting six first half three-pointers (and 11 overall to stay close through the half. UNM led just 36-32 at the break.
Along with Williams, Xavier Adams was the only other Lobo in double-figures with 11 points, but four Lobos; Jalen Harris, Jordan Hunter, Xavier Adams, Anthony Mathis and Aget each had seven.
UNM moves to 2-0 in exhibition play as the Lobos get ready to host Idaho State in the regular season opener on Friday night at 8 p.m. at WisePies Arena – The Pit.
Lobos Defeat Greyhounds 88-66 in Exhibition Finale
