Lobos Take 3-3 MW record to UNLV Wednesday
New Mexico at UNLV
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 – 7 p.m. PT/8 p.m. MT
Thomas & Mack Center (Capacity: 18,000)
TV: ESPN3 (espn.com/watch)
Radio: 770 KKOB-AM / 94.5 FM Lobo Radio Network
UNM NOTES | LISTEN | WATCH LIVE | LIVE STATS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team hits the road again, this time to Las Vegas, Nev. where the 8-11, 3-3 MW, Lobos will take on the 13-4, 2-2 MW, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. MT (7 p.m. PT) on ESPN3.
Despite falling in their last game against Fresno State, the Lobos have put up some impressive numbers in conference play. UNM averages 76.3 points per game while allowing 71.2 and has four players leading in double figures. Junior Anthony Mathis leads the Lobos with 14.5 points per game in league play followed by freshman Makuach Maluach (12.2) senior Joe Furstinger (12.0) and senior Antino Jackson (10.8).
UNLV is coming into Wednesday’s game coming off of a bye week and is led by freshman Brandon McCoy who posts 17.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds in league play. Three other players are also averaging in double figures including senior Jordan Johnson (16.5), junior Shakur Juiston (12.8) and junior Chris Clyburn (10.8).
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:
7th – 3-point field goals attempted (585)
11th – total 3-point field goals made (205)
12th – turnover margin (17.26)
12th – turnovers forced (17.26)
15th – 3-point field goals per game (10.8)
25th – free throw percentage (76.6)
34th – total assists (307)
36th – total steals (145)
LOBOS IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST
The Lobos are ranked highly in the Mountain West in several statistical categories, including 15 in the top five. Below are just a few of the top spots UNM holds in the MW:
1st – 3-point field goals attempted (585)
1st – free throw percentage (76.6)
1st – steals per game (7.6)
1st – 3-point field goals per game (10.8)
1st – total 3-pointers made (205)
1st – total steals (145)
1st – turnover margin (4.4)
1st – turnovers forced (17.26)
SERIES HISTORY
UNLV leads the all-time series between the two squads 33-25 including a 19-12 avantage in Las Vegas. Last season, UNM split with UNLV, claiming an 80-77 road victory on Feb. 1 after falling at home in Albuquerque on Jan. 10, 71-66.
The Lobos are 8-5 over UNLV in the teams’ past 13 meetings and have won four out of the last five matchups at the Thomas & Mack Center.
THE COACHES – REUNITED
UNM head coach Paul Weir enters the game 8-11 in his first season at the helm of the Lobos, 36-17 in his career. UNLV is led by head coach Marvin Menzies in his second season with the Runnin’ Rebels. Menzies has guided UNLV to a 24-25 record in his tenure and is 222-136 overall.
Coach Weir and Coach Menzies are no strangers – in fact quite the opposite is true. Coach Weir served as Coach Menzies’ associate head coach from 2007-2016 while the pair were at New Mexico State. Following Menzies’ departure for UNLV, Weir was named head coach at NMSU for the 2016-17 season before moving on to UNM.
Not only is Coach Weir connected to Coach Menzies, current Lobo assistant Brandon Mason came to UNM this season right out of Vegas. Mason served as UNLV’s director of player personnel last season under Menzies.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Wednesday’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/94.5 FM (click here to listen).