The UNM men's basketball team starts the Mountain West Conference portion of its schedule tonight at 10 p.m., with a ESPN Big Monday match-up against Colorado State University.
The Rams are not favorites to win the MWC title this year, but they could still prove to be a challenge to a Lobo team that has struggled during winter break.
In seven games, UNM (5-7) managed two wins, over Portland State University and Northern Arizona University -- both members of the lower mid-major Big Sky Conference. Here's a recap of the last seven games.
Sunday, Dec. 15
NMSU 72, UNM 60 -- The Pit
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High scorer: Ruben Douglas, 25 points
Top rebounder: Douglas,
Jamaal Williams: six
Assists: Douglas, four
The visiting Aggies took the lead early then held off the Lobos, who closed to 64-58 in the closing minutes of the second half. NMSU got a big game from senior post James Moore, who scored 22 points. Moore did not play when in UNM's close 59-58 loss in Las Cruces.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Texas Tech 98, UNM 71 -- Lubbock
High scorer: Ruben Douglas, 23 points
Top rebounder: Williams, eight
Assists: Douglas, three
The Red Raiders grabbed an early 8-0 lead and never trailed as it dominated the Lobos on both ends of the court. Texas Tech shot a hot 69 percent in the first half and finished with a 66 percent mark from the field. Point guard Javin Tindall missed the first of three games with a stress fracture of the ribs.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Southern Utah 69, UNM 57 -- The Pit
High scorer: Ruben Douglas, 36 points
Top rebounder: Douglas, seven
Assists: Ryan Ashcraft, six
The Lobos were again victimized by a hot-shooting team as the Thunderbirds shot 59 percent from the field. UNM didn't help itself either, getting off to a slow start -- the Lobos didn't score their first points until Ruben Douglas hit two free throws with 13:38 left in the game. UNM closed to 52-45 with 5:28 left in the game, but got no closer.
Saturday, Dec. 28
UNM 69, Portland State 52 -- The Pit
(Lobo Invitational)
High scorer: Ruben Douglas, 21 points
Top rebounder: Mark Walters, nine
Assists: Ashcraft, three
The Vikings to advance to the Lobo Invite championship game. UNM, which shot 48 percent from the field, put the game away with a 25-7 run over the final minute of the first half and first nine minutes of the second half.
Sunday, Dec. 29
Pepperdine 88, UNM 66 -- The Pit
(Lobo Invitational)
High scorer: Williams, 23 points
Top rebounder: Williams: eight
Assists: Walters, four
The hot-shooting Waves had little trouble imposing their will on the Lobos to win the Lobo Invite title. Pepperdine ran a box and one defense to harass Ruben Douglas into a season-low 12-point performance. Five Waves scored in double figures. Javin Tindall returned to the line-up for the first time in 11 days. He finished the game with eight points, one rebound and one assist.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Tennessee 71, UNM 63 -- Knoxville
High scorer: Douglas, 29 points
Top rebounder: Walters, 10
Assists: Javin Tindall, four
The Lobos held the lead for much of the game but were unable to stop the Volunteers' senior forward Ron Slay, who racked up a career-high 38 points. UNM led by as much as seven points in the first half, but Tennessee surged back to take a 36-35 halftime lead. The Lobos held the lead early in the second half, but the Vols kept it close, eventually tying the game at 60 before sealing the game away in the final minute.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
UNM 59, Northern Arizona 57 -- The Pit
High scorer: Douglas, 21 points
Top rebounder: Walters, seven
Assists: Tindall, three
Douglas scored 21 points in the Lobos' win over the Lumberjacks, but none were as important as the final two -- the free throws that won the game for UNM. NAU entered the game at 9-3. The Lobos held the advantage for much of the first half but the 'Jacks managed to keep the game close, eventually taking a 53-48 lead. UNM rallied to tie, then win the game.
