ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – For the first time since 2012, the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team has won a game in the NCAA tournament. The Lobos, a 10 seed, defeated no. 7 Marquette 75-66 on Friday night.
UNM controlled the pace, and the score, for much of the game. After a few quick threes from CJ Noland and Filip Borovicanin, the Lobos were able to build an eight point lead. The Lobos led for 18 minutes in the first half and took a 35-32 lead into the break.
Marquette came out in the second half and nearly responded to every UNM score with a bucket of its own. The Golden Eagles finally took the lead with 13:52 remaining. The team was led by David Joplin with 28 points.
After some back and fourth, UNM got into the bonus with 7:47 remaining. From that point on, UNM was back in control.
The Lobos sparked a 13-2 run and sealed the game at the free throw line.
New Mexico was led by Donovan Dent with 21 points and 6 assists. Nelly Junior Joseph (19), Tru Washington (12) and CJ Noland (11) also finished in double-figures.
As a team, UNM shot 22-55 (47.3%) from the field. The Lobos shot 18-21 from the free throw line. In the paint, the Lobos outscored the Golden Eagles 38-26. UNM also won the rebounding battle 36-30.
With the win, UNM is on to the round of 32 on Sunday. The Lobos will play the winner of No. 2 Michigan State and No. 15 Bryant.