Lobos efficient in 85-74 win against Nevada
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Just one game ago, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team endured an uncharacteristic offensive performance as they had their lowest field goal percentage (.319) of the season in a road loss to San Diego State. On Saturday, that script got flipped completely around as the Lobos posted their best field goal percentage (.585) this season and led wire-to-wire in what was an 85-74 win at home against Nevada.
The incredibly efficient offensive output for the Lobos (19-3, 9-2 MW) started from the opening whistle as UNM controlled the tip. Within seconds, the Lobos were on the board as Aisia Robertson found Jaisa Nunn inside for an easy layup. The Lobos then made three of their next four shots to race out to an 8-0 lead.
Nevada would find their footing in the first quarter as they cut the Lobos lead to three with 3:47 to go in the quarter, but the efficient Lobo attack did not falter and UNM held a 25-16 lead. In that opening quarter, UNM seemingly did not miss as they shot 73% overall (11-of-15).
Impressively, there was little-to-no drop off in the second quarter as the Lobos shot 73% overall (8-of-11) once more in the period and established a double-figure stronghold on the game. While the percentage was identical to the first quarter, the difference came from beyond the arc as the Lobos knocked down 4-of-6 from deep.
Relive @unmlobowbb victory over Nevada! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/obetW5n0Ih
— New Mexico Lobos (@UNMLOBOS) February 10, 2019
For the half, the Lobos shot 73% overall (19-of-26), 56% from three-point range (5-of-9) and were perfect from the charity stripe (4-of-4).
Coming out of the break, Nevada ripped of a 5-0 scoring burst in the first minute and a half to cut the lead down to single digits, 47-39. The Lobos responded and began to settle in offensively once more as they built up a double-digit cushion for the remainder of the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Wolfpack (8-14, 4-7 MW) once again opened up on a run, this time a 6-0 run on a pair of three-pointers to cut the Lobo lead down to five points, 64-59, with 9:02 to play. After neither team scored over the next minute and a half or so, Ahlise Hurst buried a huge three-pointer to stem the Wolfpack surge.
The margin remained in single digits until Nunn converted an incredible and-one opportunity with 4:52 to play. That did not last long, however, as the Wolfpack got a three-pointer to fall on the ensuing possession.
Leading by seven with 2:19 to play, the Lobos went on a 5-0 spurt to take a 12-point lead with 1:35 left on the clock. During the run, Nunn had a layup while Robertson made 3-of-4 free throw attempts. The Lobos then salted the game away at the line making 3-of-4 to seal the 11-point victory.
Statistically, the Lobos ended the game shooting 59% overall 31-of-53, 42% from three-point range (8-of-19) and 79% from the free throw line (15-of-19). Four Lobos were in double figures in scoring with two reaching 20 points. The scoring was paced by Jayla Everett with 24 points, one shy of her season-high. Nunn was not far behind with a 22-point effort. It was the third-straight game and fourth in the last five that Nunn has scored 20 or more points. In that time, Nunn has elevated her scoring average from 14.8 ppg to 16.6 ppg.
Robertson was the third-leading scorer for the Lobos in the game, but she led the team in rebounding with six and assists with 10. It is third point/assist double-double for Robertson this season but her first since November 24.
The Lobos will now prepare for a two-game road trip beginning with a Wednesday night game at San Jose State. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. (MT).