ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico won its opening game of the Mountain West conference tournament against San Jose State 63-52 on Thursday afternoon. With the win, the Lobos have advanced to the tournament semifinals.
It was a slow start for the Lobos and UNM trailed the spartans 16-21 midway through the first half. New Mexico then went on a 16-2 run to close out the half. The run included a 6:54 scoring drought from San Jose State.
The Lobos never trailed in the second half.
Much of the Lobos success came from its dominance in the paint. UNM outscored SJSU 38-24 in the area and won the rebounding battle 42-39. The Lobos had 17 offensive rebounds.
Donovan Dent led all scorers with 25 points. Nelly Junior Joseph had a double-double with 14 points and 18 rebounds. Tru Washington had 11 points.
New Mexico now awaits the winner of San Diego State and Boise State for its semifinal opponent. That game will take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m. MT.