Lobos Set to Host San Jose State in Mountain West Opener
The New Mexico men’s basketball team kicks off Mountain West play Wednesday night, hosting San Jose State at The Pit to open a four-game homestand.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and live coverage will be available on the Mountain West Network and the Lobo Radio Network.
Team Preview: New Mexico
The Lobos (6-2) return home after securing third place at the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs.
Despite a close 85-82 loss to Arizona State in the semifinals, New Mexico bounced back with an impressive 83-73 victory over USC in the consolation game.
Donovan Dent shined against USC, recording his third double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 assists.
Dent is currently the only player in the nation averaging 18.0 points and 8.0 assists per game.
Team Preview: San Jose State
The Spartans (4-5) enter the game with momentum, winning three consecutive games at the Ball Dawgs Classic in Las Vegas.
During the tournament, they defeated UTEP, UNC Greensboro, and Long Beach State. Josh Uduje, a transfer from Utah State, leads San Jose State in scoring, averaging 15.7 points per game.
The San Jose State Spartans decisively defeated Long Beach State 82-66 in their most recent game.
The Spartans committed 16 fouls, compared to 19 by Long Beach State, and made 6 of their 18 three-point attempts.
Long Beach State shot 66.7% from the free-throw line (12 of 18) and secured 25 rebounds (8 offensive, 17 defensive) but did not register any blocks.
They also tallied 12 assists and three steals. Defensively, San Jose State allowed Long Beach State to shoot 44.4% from the field (24 of 54) while forcing seven turnovers and recording two steals.
The Spartans grabbed 30 rebounds, including ten on the offensive end, and shot 58.3% from the free-throw line (14 of 24).
They finished the game with a 54.4% field goal percentage, converting 31 of 57 attempts, including six three-pointers.
Donavan Yap played a key role for San Jose State, scoring 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%) and contributing four assists in 37 minutes. He also added a rebound to his stat line.
San Jose State enters this game with a 4-5 record. They average 70.3 points per game and shoot 44.8% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc.
They are strong from the free-throw line, converting 76% of their attempts. They also average 33.2 rebounds and 10.2 turnovers per game.
On defense, the Spartans allow 68.4 points per game (125th in the nation), hold opponents to 45.7% shooting, and force 10.2 turnovers per contest.
New Mexico, meanwhile, secured an 83-73 win over USC in their last outing. The Lobos allowed 29 rebounds (6 offensive) while grabbing 28 themselves (9 offensive).
They shot 51.7% from the field (30 of 58) and made 33.3% of their three-point attempts (7 of 21).
New Mexico converted 16 of 24 (66.7%) at the free-throw line and forced eight steals while committing 14 turnovers.
Tru Washington led the Lobos with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%) in 32 minutes, adding four assists and four rebounds.
New Mexico (6-2) averages 84.8 points per game (127th in the nation in shooting percentage at 46.3%) and ranks 30th nationally in assists with 17.8 per game.
However, the Lobos allow 74.8 points per game and rank near the bottom of Division 1 in defensive rebounds allowed (38.9 per game).
