Lobos Top Louisiana Tech 74-65 for Fifth Straight Win
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico men’s basketball team won its fifth straight game, downing Louisiana Tech 74-65 Wednesday night at The Pit. The Lobos (6-1) had four players score in double figures as they snapped the Bulldogs’ (5-2) five-game win streak.
Jemarl Baker, Jr. led the Lobos with a season-high 18 points on 6-9 shooting from behind the arc. Jaelen House had 16 points to go with six rebounds and four assists. Nelly Junior Joseph posted his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds and Tru Washington scored in double figures for the third straight game with 10 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
An early 7-0 run by Louisiana Tech gave the Bulldogs a 7-2 lead after the first three minutes of the contest. The Lobos answered with a 16-1 run to take a 18-8 lead with 10:30 left in the half. The lead grew to 12 at 25-13 with 7:45 to go and again at 27-15 with 5:00 left. After the Bulldogs got within seven late in the half as the Lobos led 35-28 at the break. Washington had 10 first-half points to lead New Mexico.
In the second half, New Mexico pushed the lead back to double digits at 42-32 over the first four minutes. An 8-0 Lobo run pushed the advantage to 15 at 50-35 with 14:00 to go as they led by 18, 59-41, at the midway point of the half. Louisiana Tech closed the gap to 64-54 with 3:30 to play as the Lobos hit a cold stretch of shooting. A Baker three snapped the drought with 3:15 to play as UNM pushed the advantage to 14 with 2:30 to go. Louisiana Tech would get as close as nine in the final two minutes as New Mexico wrapped up the 74-65 victory.
New Mexico Tru. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/xtmRiw51dj
— Lobo Basketball (@UNMLoboMBB) November 30, 2023
LOBO NOTES
• Richard Pitino earned his 200th career victory
• Jaelen House returned to the lineup after missing the previous five games due to injury
• Jemarl Baker, Jr.’s six 3-pointers were most by a Lobo in a game since Javonte Johnson made seven vs. Utah State in 2021-22
• The Lobos shot 37.9% from the floor (25-66), their lowest FG% in a win since Dec. 21, 2021 (34.8% vs. Norfolk State)
• New Mexico had a season-high four blocks
QUOTABLE
“It was a challenging game to coach because right before the game I get told that Donovan Dent has back spasms. He did his best to fight through it, but we are not in a position to be down another guard. He fought through it the best he could. Jemarl Baker provided a big-time lift, because we couldn’t execute that high ball screen with Donnie tonight, and we needed to make some outside shots. The defense in the first half was phenomenal. Louisiana Tech is a team that can win their conference. We found a way. I am proud of the guys and we now have to turn the page to New Mexico State.” – Richard Pitino
UP NEXT
The Lobos’ three-game homestand continues Saturday with the first of two matchups this season with New Mexico State. Game time at The Pit is 7 p.m. The homestand concludes on Dec. 6 when UNM host UC Santa Barbara. Tickets are on sale at GoLobos.com/tickets.