On Friday night, the UNM men's basketball team electrified The Pit crowd via a run and gun assault, en route to a 90-78 victory over the EA All Stars.
The Lobo's prolific backcourt along with the athletic ability of Jamaal Williams showed signs of brilliance in the final tune up before their regular season opener.
Two freshmen, Mark Walters and Mikal Monette, got their first career starts and did not let down the team. Walters displayed his sweet jumper and marvelous jumping ability, while Monette showed the crowd his style, ripping down boards with authority and hustling his way to a worthy performance. Monette's start was the first by a walk-on at UNM in quite some time and he could prove to be a vital piece of the Lobo puzzle.
"We have been telling you all along that our walk-ons are like regular players," Head coach Ritchie McKay said. "Maybe that hasn't been the case in the past, but Monette has earned the start. He's done a great job in practice. I thought he played well tonight."
Using an unorthodox lineup without a true center, the Lobos opened the floodgates early and often. Big men, Chad Bell and David Chiotti watched from the bench as the Lobos blew the game open.
On the first play of the game, Walters slashed down the lane and slammed home a missed lay up that bounced off the rim. The dunk sparked the Lobos to a 19-6 run by the 14:43 mark. Ruben Douglas followed with a baseline jumper, two NBA-range threes and then took a back door pass from Monette, layed it in and was fouled. During the run, Douglas and Walters combined for 17 of the 19 points. The Lobos were up 42-33 at the half.
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In the second half, both teams traded baskets as the EA All Stars crept back into the game. During that span came the play of the game. Williams showed everyone in attendance that he could jump with the best. He got the ball baseline, attacked the hoop and jumped straight up. With a defender in his face, Williams cocked the ball back and jammed it with authority over the defender.
The All Stars clawed to within six points, but would get no closer. Two back-to-back three pointers by freshman Jeff Hart ignited the crowd and quieted the opponent.
The biggest surprise for the Lobos was the play of Walters. The team knew he was capable and had the talent, but until Friday, fans really didn't know who he was.
With stymie defensive style, intense demeanor and timely shooting, Walters has the capacity to have an instant impact on the team and in the conference.
"That's Mark's game. He's an energy guy," Douglas said. "He's a slasher and he it can hit the occasional three or jump shot. He started the game with a put back dunk, that's what got us started. He brings defensive energy as well. He's always diving on balls and hustling. That is Mark's game in a nutshell."
Walters finished the game with 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. Not a bad line for his first career start.
"I've been in the starting rotation for a couple of weeks, so I wasn't nervous," Walters said. "I'm a defender first, but I can get a couple of baskets if needed. I love challenges, so I just have to dig down and pick up my game.
Douglas finished with a game-high 28 points, on 10-24 shooting. He added five rebounds and six assists. Williams was one rebound shy of a double-double. He ended with 16 points and nine boards. Senque Carey was just two points shy of a double-double. He had 10 assists to go along with 8 points.
It was a very sound effort for the young, but fast improving Lobos.
"I was pleased with the defense and the way we took care of the ball," McKay said. "I see some things that we have to do a better job of, but our team is growing and improving."
The Lobos begin the regular season Saturday against the the University of California at Berkeley. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on KKOB, 770-AM.
