ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The UNM men’s basketball team is set to begin the second half of its conference schedule on Saturday night. After the best start to league play in program history (9-1), the Lobos now have an opportunity to create some separation for first place.
Up next for New Mexico is a road trip to Utah State on Saturday. The Aggies (19-2, 9-1 MW) are currently tied with the Lobos for first place in the Mountain West.
“I think Utah State is really good,” said UNM head coach Richard Pitino. “I think Jerrod Calhoun is one of the better coaches around and Utah State’s got a phenomenal home court, but win or lose we are going to come back the next day and we will try to get better.”
Utah State poses many challenges for UNM. The Aggies rank as both the second highest scoring offense and scoring defense in the Mountain West. Utah State also boasts the highest field goal and three point percentages in the league and features eight players who average over six points per game.
“I think everybody has got to do their part defensively,” Pitino said. “They have got really good depth and balance, they run good stuff. They don’t have a lot of weaknesses, and there are just challenges all over.”
UNM’s game from Logan tips off Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on FS1.