Lobos to Clash with Aggies Thursday in Las Cruces
New Mexico at NM State
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 – 7 p.m. MT
Pan American Center (Capacity: 12,572)
TV: AggieVision (Watch Live)
Radio: 770 KKOB-AM (Listen Live)
UNM NOTES | NMSU NOTES | LIVE STATS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Coming off of a tough loss at undefeated UTEP and a quick turnaround, The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team remains on the road to take on in-state rival NM State in Las Cruces on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
The (RV) Lobos (4-1) have dropped the last five contests in the series with the Aggies (2-2). The Lobos have not won the Rio Grande Rivalry matchup in Paul Weir’s tenure.
UNM, which is currently receiving votes in the Associated Press national poll, took on the Miners on Tuesday night on the road and fell in a tight battle by a final score of 66-63. The contest marked the first time this season that UNM has not collected at least 90 points. Three Lobos finished the night scoring in double figures including redshirt-senior JaQuan Lyle, who was named Mountain West Player of the Week this week for his outstanding performances last week against Green Bay and McNeese.
Junior Makuach Maluach registered 11 points followed by redshirt-senior Carlton Bragg who neared a double-double with 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds.
The Lobos fell by three points after a Lyle deep three from nearly half court that would have tied the matchup left his hands just after the buzzer for the 66-63 final. Despite their ranking as third in the country in made free throws, the Lobos left 11 points at the line on the matchup, shooting just 64.5 percent from the stripe.
UNM looks to rebound in its matchup with the Aggies, Coach Weir’s former team. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
LOBOS IN THE NATION
Through the first five games of the season, the Lobos are starting to emerge at the top of some of the national charts. Here is a look at some of the highlights after UNM’s game at UTEP Tuesday.
2nd – free throw attempts (146)
3rd – free throws made (106)
10th – total assists (91)
20th – total steals (46)
23rd – scoring offense (87.0)
26th – assists per game (51.0)
Individuals:
8th – JaQuan Lyle – free throws made (27)
8th – JJ Caldwell – total steals (14)
10th – Carlton Bragg Jr. – total rebounds (53)
16th – JaQuan Lyle – total assists (29)
25th – JaQuan Lyle – total points (95)
SERIES HISTORY
The Aggies are on a five-win streak that spans back to Coach Weir’s time at NMSU. UNM has not earned a victory over the Aggies since Nov. 18, 2016 when the Lobos won 72-59 in Albuquerque. The last time UNM won on the road was on Nov. 15, 2015 with an 83-74 victory as the third of a five-win streak for the Lobos.
THE COACHES
Head coach Paul Weir is 37-34 in his third year at the helm of the Lobos, 65-40 in his fourth season as a head coach. NM State head coach Chris Jans is 60-13 in his third season with the Aggies. He is 81-25 in his career.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Thursday’s game will be available to watch live on AggieVision (Watch Live). Fans can also follow live via live stats (click here) or listen in on the radio LIVE. Robert Portnoy and former Lobo Hunter Greene will be on the call on 770 KKOB-AM.