New Mexico vs. Air Force: Game Preview, Odds, How To Watch
Lobos take to the road to face the Falcons
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Can New Mexico get a road win?
Game: New Mexico Lobos vs Air Force Falcons
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
Location: Clune Arena in Colorado Springs, CO
Time: 2:00 pm, MT
TV: CBS Sports Network
Stream: FuboTV — get a free trial
Radio: 77kob Albuquerque 96.3 FM Robert Portnoy/Hunter Greene
Overall Series: New Mexico leads 65-26
The upcoming Saturday matchup at Clune Arena between the New Mexico Lobos (15-3, 3-2 MWC) and the Air Force Falcons (7-9, 0-4 MWC) is anticipated to favor the team from Albuquerque.
The New Mexico men’s basketball team aims for a third consecutive victory as they embark on a two-game road trip, starting Saturday at Air Force.
The game starts at 2:00 pm at Clune Arena and will air on CBS Sports Network and the Lobo Radio Network.
With a season record of 15-3 (3-2 in the Mountain West), the Lobos secured two impressive wins against ranked opponents – defeating No. 19 San Diego State and No. 16 Utah State.
Currently holding a 7-9 overall record and a 0-4 standing in the Mountain West, Air Force is recovering from an overtime loss against Colorado State on Tuesday.
The dynamic duo of Rytis Petraitis and Ethan Taylor leads the Falcons, each boasting an average of 17.2 points per game.
Last season, the teams evenly split their two meetings, securing victories on their respective home courts, both in Albuquerque and Colorado Springs.
In the 2021-22 season series, the Lobos dominated, sweeping both encounters, including a 91-77 win at Clune Arena, where Jaelen House shone with a career-high 42 points.
Looking ahead, the Lobos will wrap up their two-game road trip with a Wednesday visit to San Jose State. The Bay Area game is scheduled for 9 pm MT (8 pm PT) and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Offensively, the Lobos boast an average of 83.6 points per game, ranking 23rd nationally, with a commendable 47.2% shooting accuracy from the field.
Their proficiency extends to a 33.4% success rate on three-point attempts (112 of 335) and a solid 68.1% from the free-throw line.
What makes this Lobo offense impressive is that. So far this season, the Lobos are the only team in the nation to have five different players post a 25-point game. (stat courtesy of UNM’s social media team)
All five Lobo starters — House, Mashburn, Donovan Dent, JT Toppin, and Nelly Junior Joseph — have had at least one 25-point scoring game this season (courtesy Geoff Grammer Alb Journal)
As a collective unit, New Mexico excels in rebounding, securing an impressive 39.7 boards per game, and showcases their teamwork with 288 assists on the season, earning them the 31st spot in college basketball for passing prowess.
However, they face challenges in ball control, averaging 10.4 turnovers per game and grappling with 19.1 personal fouls as a team.
On the defensive end, the Lobos demonstrate an ability to disrupt opponents, forcing 15.9 turnovers per game and drawing 19.2 fouls.
Despite their defensive prowess, they currently hold the 228th rank in Division 1 for surrendering assists, conceding 230 on the year.
New Mexico’s defensive efforts also reveal a 41.3% opponent field goal percentage (430 of 1,042) and a rebounding allowance of 35.4 boards per game.
They exhibit a resistance to three-point shots, allowing only a 30.5% success rate, and position themselves at 122nd nationally in opponent points per game, holding them to an average of 69.3 points.
Air Force, currently 7-9 overall and 0-4 in the Mountain West, is coming off an overtime loss at Colorado State.
In their most recent game, the Air Force Falcons suffered a defeat with a final score of 78-69 against Colorado State.
Analyzing their performance on the court, Air Force allowed Colorado State to secure a total of 32 rebounds (10 on the offensive end).
The Falcons displayed a 41.7% accuracy from beyond the 3-point line, making 10 of 24 attempts, and maintained a solid free-throw shooting percentage of 78.3% by converting 18 out of 23 attempts.
Colorado State capitalized on 43.9% of their field goal attempts (25 of 57), while the Falcons concluded the game with a 41.1% field goal rate (23 of 56).
In terms of three-point shots, the Air Force successfully made 10 out of 22 attempts, achieving a 45.5% success rate.
They buried 13 of their free throw attempts at the charity stripe, boasting a 76.5% accuracy.
Noteworthy contributions came from Rytis Petraitis, who demonstrated a 54.5% field goal rate by making 6 out of 11 attempts.
He also contributed seven rebounds 22 points in 35 minutes of play, and provided 5 assists.
As for their overall season performance, Air Force holds a 7-9 win-loss record. The team averages 17.2 personal fouls per game and maintains a 68.3% free-throw shooting accuracy.
Their offensive play includes 14.8 assists per contest (ranking 105th nationally) and a turnover rate of 12.7 times per game.
Accumulating 1,080 points on the season (67.5 per contest), the Falcons secure an average of 31.1 rebounds per game.
Offensively, they connect on 45.5% of their field goal attempts, earning them the 146th rank in college basketball.
Defensively, the Falcons allow opponents to shoot 35.5% from beyond the arc (113 of 318) and convert 71.5% of their free throw attempts.
They surrender an average of 12.3 assists and allow 32.6 rebounds per game, earning them the 137th and 66th in Division 1, respectively.
Air Force holds the 94th rank in points allowed per game, averaging 67.7. They force an average of 12.4 turnovers per game but allow opponents to shoot 43.8% from the floor (222nd in Division 1).
Rytis Petraitis and Ethan Taylor, averaging 17.2 points per game each, lead the Falcons.
In their recent victory against Utah State (99-86), the Lobos showcased a solid offensive performance, shooting 57.4% from the field.
With 26 points on 91.7% shooting, Nelly Junior Joseph was a standout player and looked to be finally acclimating to this Ritch Pitino team as he has not even been in Albuquerque long, just October 25, and has had an adjustment period.
Looking at season statistics, New Mexico averages 83.6 points per game, shooting 47.2% from the field. Defensively, they force 15.9 turnovers per game.
“I think we’re certainly better offensively than what we’ve been (most of the season),” Pitino said. “And obviously, to put up 99 in a league game is pretty good.”
After a loss to Colorado State (78-69), Air Force holds a 7-9 record. They commit 17.2 personal fouls per game and shoot 68.3% from the free-throw line.
Last season, the teams split their two meetings, each winning at home. However, the Lobos swept the 2021-22 season series, including a 91-77 victory at Clune Arena.
The Lobos will conclude their road trip on Wednesday against San Jose State at 9 pm MT (8 pm PT), with the game airing on CBS Sports Network.
The Lobos are one of the most talented teams in the Mountain West Conference; now, they must go on the road to win games they are expected to win.
Succeeding away from home in the Mountain West this season will truly distinguish the contenders from the pretenders.
The conference boasts remarkable strength this year, making it a highly competitive environment where any team can face defeat on any given day unless they approach each game with caution and intelligent play to win games!
