New Mexico at UTEP
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 – 7 p.m.
Don Haskins Center (Capacity: 12,000)
Radio: 770 KKOB-AM Lobo Radio Network
Watch: CUSA.tv (Miner TV) – Paid broadcast
UNM NOTES | UTEP NOTES | LISTEN | WATCH | LIVE STATS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team looks to continue its momentum on Saturday as the Lobos travel to UTEP for an evening contest in El Paso, Texas.
With a win, the Lobos (3-4) would be back at .500 on the season while a win for UTEP would break a six-loss streak for the Miners that are recently without a head coach.
ABOUT THE MATCHUP
-The Lobos enter Saturday’s game coming off of Wednesday night’s 78-59 win over Evansville at The Pit. The victory snapped a four-game loss streak for UNM.
-The Miners won their first regular-season game but are riding a six-loss streak since.
UTEP head coach Tim Floyd retired abruptly on Nov. 27 immediately after the Miners’ 66-52 loss to Lamar.
-UTEP played its first game under interim head coach Phil Johnson on Thursday night.
-The Lobos earned a narrow one-point win (78-77) in the teams’ last meeting almost exactly a year ago on December 7, 2016.
-New Mexico leads the series history with UTEP 77-65 including a 49-21 advantage at home. On the road however, UTEP leads 40-27 while also leading in neutral site games 1-4.
-The Lobos have four players averaging in double figures on the season including Chris McNeal (16.6), Sam Logwood (15.7), Anthony Mathis (10.3) and Troy Simons (10.0).
-UTEP’s top scorers include Matt Willms (14.8 ppg), Keith Frazier (13.3 ppg) and Omega Harris (9.4 ppg).
-As a team, the Lobos are averaging 87.4 points per game compared to 65.6 for UTEP.
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:
• 3rd – free throw percentage (81.7)
• 4th – forced turnovers (21.29)
• 5th – turnover margin (7.0)
• 9th – 3-point field goals per game (11.9)
Individuals:
• 21st – Troy Simons – steals per game (2.57)
• 21st – Troy Simons – total steals (18)
• 29th – Anthony Mathis – 3-point FG percentage (52.6)
• 38th – Joe Furstinger – blocks per game (2.29)
LOBOS IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST
The Lobos are not only making a national impact, they are also ranking high in some
key categories in the Mountain West:
• 1st – free throw percentage (81.7)
• 1st – steals per game (9.3)
• 1st – total steals (65)
• 1st – turnover margin (7.0)
• 1st – turnovers forced (21.29)
SERIES HISTORY
The Lobos and the Miners have an extensive series history dating back to February
21, 1929 when the Lobos began a 13-win streak through February 4, 1938. Prior to
last season’s 78-77 Lobo victory on Dec. 7 it had been five years since the teams had
faced off: March 15, 2011 in the NIT at The Pit – Lobos won 69-57.
THE COACHES
UNM head coach Paul Weir enters the game 3-4 in his first season at the helm of the Lobos, 31-10 in his career. UTEP is led by interim head coach Phil Johnson who took over for Tim Floyd. Floyd retired abruptly following UTEP’s 66-52 loss to Lamar on Nov. 27 and is 0-1 at UTEP.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday’s game will be available to watch live on CUSA.tv for a fee. 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).