Lobos Host Utah State in Mountain West Home Opener

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico men’s basketball team plays its first Mountain West game in The Pit in nearly two years when it hosts Utah State on Saturday night. Tipoff at The Pit is 6 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and the Lobo Radio Network.

Saturday’s game is the first men’s game under the new health and safety protocols at The Pit. Fans 12 and over must show proof of vaccination or show proof of a negative COVID test in order to enter the arena. Complete information on the policy is available at GoLobos.com/safe.

Saturday’s game is the Lobos’ Salute to Service, presented by TLC plumbing. Outside The Pit, fire engines will take part in a flag display. During the national anthem, performed by Korean War veteran Jake Grigo, a large American flag will be displayed on the floor.

The Lobos (7-7, 0-1) are coming off a 79-70 loss at Nevada in their conference opener on New Year’s Day. Jaelen House led UNM with 18 points and six assists, while Jamal Mashburn, Jr. scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half. Saquan Singleton scored a season-high 14 points in his first start of the season.

Utah State (9-5, 0-1) hasn’t played since a 49-47 loss at Air Force in its Mountain West opener on Dec. 29. The Aggies are led by Justin Bean, who is averaging a double-double by leading the conference in scoring and rebounding at 19.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

The game is the Lobos’ first home conference game in 680 days, since a 66-64 victory over Utah State in the 2020 regular season finale. The Aggies won both meetings in the series last season in Lubbock, Texas.

The Lobos return to action on Jan. 11 with a visit to UNLV. Game time is 9 p.m. MT (8 p.m. PT) and the game will air on CBS Sports Network.