ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Lobo men’s basketball team has finished the regular season as champions of the Mountain West conference. UNM claimed sole possession of the title with an 87-67 win over UNLV on Friday night.
Prior to the game, UNM honored all of its seniors who were a part of this year’s squad. Nelly Junior Joseph, Mustapha Amzil, CJ Noland and Atiki Ally Atiki were all celebrated at center court.
Junior Joseph began his senior night sendoff with a bang. The Lobos big man rattled off eight straight points for New Mexico. By the end of the night, Junior Joseph had a game-high 26 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals.
Donovan Dent also reached 20 points scoring on the night to go along with 6 assists. With his stats on Friday night, Dent eclipsed 600 points and 200 assists in the regular season. He is just the 14th player in NCAA history to reach that milestone. By the end of the night, MVP chats were made in the Pit for Dent.
At the conclusion of the game, UNM celebrated with confetti, championship hats and t-shirts and a net-cutting ceremony. With Friday night’s win, UNM finished the regular season 25-6, 17-3 MW.
“To get another championship in front of our amazing fans, its why I came here,” said UNM head coach Richard Pitino. “It was because of this building, because of the fan base. Obviously a great moment last year in Vegas, but then to follow it up and to do something special in here, it was absolutely terrific. So, very grateful, very happy that the state of New Mexico could be a part of this.”
The Lobos are the No. 1 seed in the Mountain West tournament. UNM’s first game will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. The Lobos will play the winner of Wyoming and San Jose State.