New Mexico Prepares to Host VCU in Series Opener at The Pit
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Lobos are gearing up to host the Virginia Commonwealth Rams on December 18, 2024, in the first game of an exciting home-and-home basketball series.
The 2024 college basketball season is heating up, and one of the marquee matchups this week features the New Mexico Lobos taking on the Virginia Commonwealth Rams at the iconic Pit in Albuquerque.
The Lobos have an opportunity to knock off a quality opponent, VCU #42 in Ken Pom, to go along with UCLA & Stanford victories for a post-season resume in the big dance.
This showdown brings two fast-paced, hard-nosed teams together in what promises to be a game filled with intensity, strategy, and electric moments.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Coach Pitino from New Mexico: ‘This will be the first non-conf top 50 opponent in The Pit in seven years since Arizona. I wanted to challenge our guys.:
“I am very grateful for VCU to play this game to agree to a home and home; it’s a quality opponent, a team that’s picked to win the Atlantic 10.”
This marks the beginning of a two-year matchup, with the Lobos traveling to Richmond for a return game at the Siegel Center during the 2025-26 season.
This series represents a historic milestone, as both games will be the first home-court matchups between the programs.
Photo Courtesy of VCU Athletics
The Lobos and Rams have met only once before, with VCU claiming a 67-55 victory in the opening round of the 2008-09 Cancun Classic.
The December game will also see VCU’s first return to The Pit since competing in the 1985 NCAA Tournament First and second rounds.
New Mexico’s visit to the Siegel Center in 2025-26 will be their first game in Richmond since the 1996 NCAA Tournament at the Richmond Coliseum.
New Mexico is coming off a stellar 2023-24 campaign. Last year, they finished with a 26-10 record.
They made history by capturing the Mountain West Championship, winning four games in four days, and earning their first NCAA Tournament berth in a decade.
Under head coach Richard Pitino Lobo’s Basketball tenure, his Lobos have won 48 games in the last two seasons and a Mountain West Conference Championship in Las Vegas last season.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
VCU, under first-year head coach Ryan Odom, also had an impressive 2023-24 season, finishing 24-14.
The Rams reached the Atlantic 10 Tournament championship game and advanced to the NIT quarterfinals.
Known for their consistent excellence, VCU has ranked in the top 100 of KenPom in 17 of the past 18 seasons, making 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable Final Four run in 2011.
Fans can expect an intense and competitive game when the Rams and Lobos clash at The Pit—a matchup highlighting two programs with rich histories and bright futures.
This series promises to be an exciting chapter for both programs, bringing two historically competitive teams together on their home courts for the first time.
Courtesy of UNM Athletics
The upcoming showdown between the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and the New Mexico Lobos promises to be a thrilling spectacle for college basketball fans.
Known for their high-energy play and dramatic comebacks, both teams are set to deliver an unforgettable game.
With top-tier talent on both sides, this matchup is shaping up to be a nail-biter from start to finish.
The Rams enter with strong momentum, riding the wave of an impressive start to their season. At the same time, the Lobos dominate their home court, making them formidable opponents.
Fans can anticipate a fast-paced battle packed with highlight-worthy moments and edge-of-your-seat action.
If you are a die-hard basketball fan, this is one of those epic clashes between excellent College basketball teams and programs.
Home-Court Advantage Meets Rising Momentum
The PIT without a doubt is one of the most difficult venues for opposing teams to play and come away with a victory.
Head coach Richard Pitino’s squad has established itself as a dominant force at home, combining relentless defensive pressure with a dynamic offensive attack.
Meanwhile, the Rams, coached by Ryan Odom, have carried the grit and determination that have become synonymous with VCU basketball.
Known for their trademark “Havoc” defensive style, the Rams excel at forcing turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Keys to the Game
- For the Lobos: Controlling the tempo will be crucial. With VCU’s aggressive defense, the Lobos must limit turnovers and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. Nelly Jr. Joseph’s presence in the paint and Donovan Dents’s getting his teammates involved will be huge.
- For the Rams: They’ll look to establish their press early, force the Lobos into mistakes, and turn those errors into easy buckets. Balanced scoring from their backcourt and a strong defensive showing will be critical to silencing the Albuquerque crowd.
The Stage is Set
The Pit is known for its raucous atmosphere, and with two evenly matched teams, the stage is set for a classic showdown in a very high altitude and loud PIT game.
The game is a test of talent and composure, with both teams looking to make a statement as they build their résumés for March Madness.
Tipoff is set for Wednesday night, and fans can expect an action-packed 40 minutes filled with highlight-reel plays, tactical adjustments, and plenty of drama.
Will the Lobos continue their dominance at home, or will the Rams deliver a signature road win? One thing is sure—this game is a must-watch.
New Mexicos Top Players
Donovan Dent is the Lobos points and assists leader, 18.8 points per game and 7.9 assists per game.
Nelly Junior Joseph leads New Mexico with 9.2 rebounds per game,1.8 blocks per game
Mustapha Amzil makes 2 treys a game
New Mexico steals leader this year is Tru Washington with 2.6 per game
Photo Courtesy of VCU Athletics
VCU Top Players
Max Shulgas leads in scoring and assist for the Rams 16.4 points per game and 3.9 assists per game.
Jack Clark is leading the Rams in rebounding with 6.4 per game
Shulga is top three point range player for the Rams with 2.1 treys a game and also leads in steals with 2 per game. Luke Bamgboye leads in blocks with 2.3 per game.
