The University of New Mexico men's basketball team looks to end a two-game losing streak tonight when it hosts Western New Mexico University at The Pit.
The Lobos are coming off perhaps their finest performance in a thrilling overtime loss at the hands of the University of Wyoming on Saturday. UNM played inspired basketball in coming back from an early deficit and leading throughout the second half until ultimately falling thanks in part to Wyoming guard Donta Richardson's last second, game-tying 3-pointer.
Tonight's game marks the last time the Lobos face a non-conference opponent this season. The contest should serve as a warm up to Mountain West Conference play that gets in full swing on Saturday when San Diego State University comes to The Pit.
Here's a look at the projected starters for tonight's game:
New Mexico Lobos *
G Ruben Douglas 25.7 ppg 5.5 rpg
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G Mark Walters 9.0 ppg 6.0 rpg
C David Chiotti 1.3 ppg 2.9 rpg
F Jamaal Williams 13.4 ppg 5.9 rpg
G Javin Tindall 8.4 ppg 2.0 rpg
* Note: Subject to Change
Western New Mexico Mustangs
F Malcolm Connor 12.7 ppg 7.3 rpg
F/C Anthony Moncrieft 9.4 ppg 4.0 rpg
F/C Jury Simien 2.3 ppg 1.9 rpg
G Matt Enriquez 8.6 ppg 2.5 rpg
G Joey Ramirez 16.3 ppg 2.6 rpg
Tonight's match up is the first time these two teams have met since 1993 when the Lobos were victorious 93-59 at The Pit. UNM leads the all-time series with a 17-2 record. The last loss for the Lobos against WNMU was Feb. 11, 1931.
The Mustangs have struggled this year while posting a dismal 3-11 record. However, they are coming off an 81-75 win over Hawaii Pacific on Saturday.
For the Lobos, sophomore forward Jamaal Williams and senior guard Ruben Douglas have been leading the way offensively. Douglas currently ranks fourth in the nation in scoring and Williams is coming off his best game of the year scoring 21 points on eight of 15 shooting against Wyoming. Other players have stepped up recently including freshman forward/center David Chiotti who had five points, three rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes against the Cowboys. Junior point guard Javin Tindall has played solid in recent games as well scoring 10 points against UW, but perhaps more importantly, he has turned the ball over just two times in the past three games.
Defensively, UNM will look to stop Mustang guard Joey Ramirez. Listed at only 5 feet 9 inches, the senior is averaging 16.3 points per game. The Lobos could also be tested inside by a threesome of 6-foot-6-inch forwards in Malcolm Connor, Anthony Moncrieft and Jury Simien.
Tip off for tonight's game is set for 7:05 p.m. at The Pit
