It was New Mexico’s first ever opponent at the Pit. So nearly 50 years later, it’s only fitting that Abilene Christian would return to share the court with the Lobos.
New Mexico (4-2) will host Abilene Christian (3-2) on a night when the Lobos will not only hope to safeguard its perfect 8-0 all-time series record, but also on an evening of celebration and remembrance for 50 years of basketball and other events at the venue, now WisePies Arena.
The Lobos have won over 81 percent of its home games in the venue’s history, a release stated.
The Lobos enter the matchup coming off a tough loss to the Dayton Flyers at the Wooden Legacy tournament, 64-57. The team had a one-point lead with a little over a minute to play, but stumbled down the stretch.
Head coach Craig Neal said he hoped his team has learned from the experience. At the very least, they are eager to get back on the floor and turn things around, as the men should play with a lot of passion and energy on what is sure to be a special night.
The head coach said 37 former Lobos are expected to be in attendance. Memorabilia and several video montages are planned to commemorate the anniversary and recall some of the most memorable moments in the history of the arena.
Neal discussed some of the team’s deficiencies, but expressed the biggest disappointment at some reported academic concerns. He said the most important thing for him is that student-athletes to perform in the classroom. He called it the biggest stage, adding that players will be held accountable for their academics.
“There will be some expectations that are going to be put on our guys,” Neal said. “If they don’t reach those expectations…then they will sit.”
Neal said he has not decided if there will be any lineup changes, although the rotations could change a bit.
The emphasis for the head coach in Tuesday’s press conference seemed to focus on defense. He said playing defense stops revolving around scheme at some point, and ultimately comes down to player’s will and effort. Neal said all five players on the floor have to “buy in” to be successful.
The head coach said not all the messages being given to the players are being executed on the court. If the team is ready to execute and finish the plan, things should work themselves out on both ends of the floor.
The challenge could be a little easier to implement as Neal said Abilene Christian may be without arguably its best player. Sophomore guard Jaylen Franklin apparently suffered a knee injury in a 72-64 loss at Oklahoma.
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Franklin had been averaging 10 points, while playing less than 30 minutes per game until his injury, although ACU did bounce back to win its most recent game, a 71-55 triumph over Howard Payne.
The Lobos will likely want to work its offense from the inside-out. Senior forward Tim Williams has been a workhorse down on the blocks, averaging better than 20 points a game and pulling in eight rebounds a night.
Seven-foot-one-inch senior center Obij Aget could have a major impact since he is six inches taller than the usual starters for the Wildcats. Freshman Damien Jefferson has also shown flashes of brilliance and figures to get more playing time as he continues to progress.
The Lobos will need to limit some of the self-inflicted woes. Against Dayton, the team had 16 turnovers that led to 25 points for the Flyers. Several of the miscues appeared to be a result of poor communication.
Neal said the lack of communication between players is another area of concern for him. He acknowledged that people communicate much differently today than he is used to, specifically his absence from social media.
The head coach said the players have to talk to each other and improve on that aspect.
“I think one of the biggest weaknesses of my team is communication — talking to each other, making sure everybody knows what they are doing,” he said.
New Mexico will get its chance to see how much it has learned in the young season when the game tips off at 7 p.m.
Robert Maler is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers football and men’s and women’s tennis. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @robert_maler.
