Rapid Reaction - Nick Nunez

Tulsa defeats New Mexico 74-69 in the NIT to advance to the NIT Finals.

Gamer:

“If you live by the three, you die by the three” proved only half true for UNM men’s basketball on Thursday night—because while Tulsa’s outside shooting set the tone, it was UNM’s missed chances and late-game lapses that ultimately sealed a 74–69 NIT semifinal loss and ended the Lobos’ season.

Tulsa’s hot 3-point shooting was not the killer blow, but it was the first punch that gave the Golden Hurricane a seven-point advantage at the half 36-29.

Before the team left for Indianapolis, UNM men’s basketball coach Eric Olen was asked if his team would revert to their same defensive philosophy of “protect the paint” against a high volume nad efficient 3-point shooting team like Tulsa that shot 38% from three coming into this game. .

Olen’s response:

“That’s always a pillar of what we’re trying to do,” Olen said. “How we rotate, the urgency we rotate, our ability to contest (shots), can we win in rotation? I think those are going to be the questions we got to answer on Thursday.”

The Pit Press is joined by Mike Cooper of The Scarlet Standard (UNLV) and Brennan Williams of Go Lopes Radio (GCU) to preview the MWC MBB Tourney. We give our picks, predications, and takes with a little Vegas flare.

Despite a historic, 32-point masterpiece from freshman phenom Jake Hall, who shattered a 30-year-old school scoring record in the process, the University of New Mexico couldn't withstand a relentless Utah State assault. In a 94-90 thriller that lived up to the hype but delivered a knockout blow to the Lobos’ at-large hopes, New Mexico saw both a share of the conference title and their NCAA Tournament at-large chances slip through their fingers.

Gamer: https://www.pitpressnm.com/news/lobo-bubble-pops-in-logan-jake-halls-night-not-enough

Pit West (MWC Tourney) Primer: https://www.pitpressnm.com/news/the-pit-west-awaits-can-the-lobos-conquer-the-mwc-gauntlet

Eric Olen has quickly continued the tradition of winning for UNM men’s basketball.

Despite a setback 86-66 loss to Utah State on Wednesday, Olen’s Lobos enter Saturday night’s matchup against Boise State at 18-5 overall and 9-3 in Mountain West play, good for third place in the league standings, and still in contention to get a top 3 seed in the Mountain West conference tournament.

“We feel like our best basketball and good basketball from us, is good enough every night, at home, on the road, against every team that we could potentially see,” Olen said after the Utah State loss. “It’s not about our capability, its just about our execution and performance.”

Game Preview: https://www.pitpressnm.com/news/unm-mbb-seeks-reset-against-boise-state

New Mexico men’s basketball will defend its 23-game home winning streak Wednesday night when it hosts Utah State in a first-place showdown at the Pit. The Aggies are the highest-rated opponent UNM has faced at home this season, ranking No. 27 in the NET and No. 33 in KenPom, and boast the Mountain West’s top offense at 84.5 points per game. Utah State’s attack is driven by efficiency, ball movement, and depth, led by Mason Falslev and MJ Collins. With the conference race tied atop the standings, protecting home court is critical for the Lobos’ title hopes.

The Aggship (Patrick Mayhorn) joins the show to provide an in-depth preview of the Utah State Aggies.

Game Preview READ: https://www.pitpressnm.com/news/protect-the-pit-lobos-face-utah-state-at-the-pit

UNM men’s basketball defeated Fresno State 83–74 on Wednesday in the Pit, but the game was overshadowed by heavy officiating. Mountain West officials called 39 combined fouls, including 16 on UNM in the second half, prompting head coach Eric Olen to receive just the third technical foul of his career. Despite late whistles allowing Fresno State to close the margin, the Lobos controlled the game behind a dominant defensive effort. UNM forced 22 turnovers, recorded a season-high 18 steals and turned those into 29 points, improving to another conference win ahead of Saturday’s 90's themed matchup with Nevada.

Erik, Nick, and Ed recap the game with their personal takes and look ahead to Nevada.

Sam Hadfield from 801 Bracketology joins the show to talk NCAA bids, bubble watch and first-four in scenarios for New Mexico Basketball and the rest of the Mountain West Conference.

Fresno State Gamer: https://www.thepitpressnm.com/news/heavy-officiating-overshadows-strong-unm-defense-in-win-over-fresno-state

In a clash that lived up to two decades of rivalry, the University of New Mexico stood on the precipice of a stunning comeback and a share of the Mountain West lead. After erasing a 15-point deficit in the hostile confines of Viejas Arena, the Lobos had the ball and the momentum in a tied game with under 40 seconds to play. But in a heartbreak defined by inches, a single steal by SDSU’s Miles Byrd turned a potential New Mexico triumph into a 83-79 Aztec victory, leaving the Lobos wondering what might have been.

In this episode we discuss the Lobos and Aztecs game of runs, key performers, coaching decisions, and missed opportunities.

Gamer: https://www.thepitpressnm.com/news/san-diego-state-steals-new-mexicos-hopes-of-mountain-west-lead

New Mexico used stifling second-half defense and a smart offensive adjustment to defeat Grand Canyon 87–64 Tuesday at The Pit. After a tight first half, the Lobos clamped down defensively, holding the Lopes to 28% shooting and forcing tough, contested looks. Offensively, UNM countered GCU’s pick-and-roll drop coverage with mid-range jumpers and consistent trips to the free throw line, led by Jake Hall and Uriah Tenette. Strong physical play, balanced scoring, and impactful minutes from JT Rock helped UNM pull away and extend its home winning streak to 21 games.

Gamer: https://www.thepitpressnm.com/news/lobos-find-sweet-spot-jumpers-and-defense-in-blowout-over-gcu