Staff Report
The Lobos lost their 14th consecutive road game, 78-68, to the University of Utah Monday night.
This time, UNM hung around for the majority of the game before hitting a slump in the second half that it could not overcome.
After two quick buckets by Jamaal Williams to start the second half, the Lobos took a 40-39 lead. That lead was short lived as Utah forward Britton Johnsen responded with a 3-pointer. UNM hung close though and found themselves down only five points 53-48 after two free throws by Ruben Douglas. It was at that point that the Utes began to pull away. Johnsen hit another three and followed that up with two free throws. Next up, it was Marc Jackson that nailed back to back 3-pointers as Utah quickly shot out to 59-48 lead.
After that, UNM tried to play catch up but could not complete the comeback.
In the first half, the Utes Nick Jacobson made two 3-pointers to start the game building an early 6-0 lead. UNM, however, responded quickly cutting the lead 6-5 on David Chiotti's layup. The rest of the half was back and forth with the Lobos making a late charge to get within two points at the break. UNM relied heavily on the 3-point shot in the first period, making seven from beyond the arc.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The Lobos had a more spread out offense in this game with Williams contributing 13 points while Chiotti had five and center Chad Bell chipped in six. Douglas kept up his torrid scoring pace with 32 points including five treys. He also made 13-15 from the free-throw line.
Johnsen, Jackson and Tim Frost led the way for the Utes, combining for 51 points.
Next, UNM returns home to The Pit, on Saturday, to take on the Air Force Academy. Game time is 7 p.m.
