The University of New Mexico Lobos were able to scratch out a tough win against the University of Wyoming Cowboys, beating them 71-67 Wednesday, Feb.12. This extends their win streak to seven straight games.
It was like deja vu at The Pit, as the game started similarly to when the two teams faced off earlier this season. The Lobos struggled early and found themselves down 39-29 by halftime. They had 10 turnovers in the first half and only made 32% of their shots.
The Lobos came out of the break energized and went on a lightning-quick 10-0 run to start the second half and tie the game. Despite having a much-improved second half, it would take until there was only 4:58 left in the game for the Lobos to take their first lead.
The Cowboys were bolstered by their star guard Obi Agbim, who sat out the last game these two teams played against each other due to injury. Agbim led all-scoring in the game with 22 points.
With the game tied and less than a minute to go, freshman Jovan Milicevic was able to make the go-ahead three, followed by a clutch defensive stop to seal the game.
Head Coach Richard Pitino praised Milicevic and his shooting ability after the game.
“Just playing hard, that’s the main thing,” Milicevic said. “Coach Pitino, all he wants is just our guys to play hard on the defensive end and just be junkyard dogs.”
Milicevic provided important minutes off the bench. He finished the night with 10 points and made three 3-pointers.
While both teams had flourishes of defensive brilliance, there were even more offensive lapses. The Lobos finished with 13 turnovers and the Cowboys had 18, though the Lobos were able to capitalize more effectively with 17 points off turnovers while the Cowboys only had 8 points.
While both teams were given free chances for points, it seemed like it was easier to score while being guarded. The Lobos shot 52.9% from the line while the Cowboys managed to shoot even worse, making only 28.6% of their free throws on the night.
Milicevic made one out of his five free-throw attempts.
“I definitely need to get back in the lab and work on my free throws,” Milicevic said.
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While the Lobos struggled at times to find offensive rhythm, they were able to successfully control the pace. They had 23 fast break points fueled by their 10 steals, though they were able to successfully catch the Cowboys sleeping occasionally and get a quick score off a made Wyoming basket.
Six of those steals came from guards Donovan Dent and Tru Washington, who had three each.
They also led the Lobos in scoring, with Dent finishing with 20 points and Washington with 15.
Even though Dent had 20 points, it was a bit of an off night for him. He shot 7-19 from the field and missed all three of his 3-point attempts.
“He may not have been as great (because) they were playing off other guys,” Pitino said.
The Cowboys would constantly pack the lane and allow for more outside shots, while not allowing Dent and others to get to the rim effectively.
Jaden McKelvey-Francis is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
