ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Sports analysts believe it will be a close match-up between the University of New Mexico Lobos and Marquette Golden Eagles but are giving UNM a slight edge over Marquette. Odds makers have the Lobos winning by roughly four points.
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This could be a good match-up for the Lobos at the Big Dance. The Golden Eagles have struggled to protect the rim while the Lobo’s rebounding has been exceptional especially with Nelly Junior Joseph averaging more than 11 rebounds a game. Marquette’s defense also likes to take gambles to create turnovers which leaves lanes open for easy points.
The Lobos said their defense reminds them of a familiar opponent. “We think on the defensive side, they remind us of a little of San Diego State. They run a lot of switching run through five and we just kind of have to attack one-on-one really. We’re gonna get the match-up we want, the mismatch, so remind us of San Diego on the defensive side of the ball,” said UNM Guard Donovan Dent.
The Lobos faced San Diego State twice this season. They split the season series with both teams winning at home. Both teams won at home.
The Lobos have only faced Marquette once. They did win but that was more than a decade ago in 2013. The winner of this first-round game will face off against the winner of the Michigan state Spartans-Bryant Bulldogs game. That tip-off is at eight p.m.
Tip-off for the Lobos’ game is at 5:25 p.m. You can watch it live on TBS or streaming on Max. For those who can’t watch, this article will have a live blog providing updates throughout the game. KRQE News 13 will also have post-game coverage tonight at 10 p.m. with Van Tate.