RICHMOND, VA—UNM escaped Richmond with an 81–78 win over VCU, thanks largely to a dominant scoring stretch from Jake Hall, who finished with 24 points in his fourth 20-point game as a Lobo. Hall scored 19 of those points during a crucial run that flipped a first-half deficit into a second-half lead, but foul trouble derailed his night as he picked up four personals early in the half. The Lobos battled whistles throughout, with Tomislav Buljan and Deyton Albury also reaching four fouls.

Key support came from JT Rock, who delivered a go-ahead 3-pointer and a game-changing block in the final minutes. Despite a 10-0 VCU run that erased UNM’s 10-point lead, the Lobos held firm behind Hall’s fifth three and a final defensive stop. UNM also limited VCU shooter Terrence Hill Jr. for most of the game.

The Lobos are back in action on Sunday in The Pit at 2:00 pm vs. Florida Gulf Coast.

RICHMOND, VA—New Mexico faces another tough road test Wednesday, visiting a VCU team undefeated at home and ranked No. 41 in KenPom. The Siegel Center—one of college basketball’s loudest mid-major arenas—has fueled major runs for the Rams, who have posted bursts of 14–0, 20–6 and 27–6 in home wins.

VCU’s depth and pressure defense define the matchup. Eleven players average 13+ minutes, and the Rams rank 15th nationally in defensive efficiency while forcing nearly 15 turnovers per game. Offensively, they spread scoring among five players averaging 9–13 points, led by sharpshooter Terrence Hill Jr. (51% from three).

For UNM, the keys are clear: protect the ball, attack the paint, and crash the offensive glass—areas where teams have found success against VCU. After struggling in their first true road test against NMSU, the Lobos get another chance to earn a statement win.

ALBUQUERQUE—The New Mexico Lobos delivered their most complete performance of the season, overwhelming Santa Clara 98–71 at The Pit in a display of relentless defensive pressure and efficient scoring. Lobo guard Deyton Albury set the tone early, finishing with a season-high 22 points while spearheading a defensive effort that forced 15 turnovers and produced 19 points the other way. UNM’s pressure disrupted the Broncos throughout the night, holding them to 38% shooting from the field and just 22% from three. The Lobos turned stops into offense, racking up 29 fast-break points fueled by 12 steals and strong rebounding. Tomislav Buljan added a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards, showing no signs of his recent ankle injury. UNM also maintained its hot perimeter shooting, knocking down 9 of 23 attempts. With contributions across the roster, the Lobos controlled the game’s pace from start to finish.

ALBUQUERQUE—UNM faces one of its toughest tests of the season Saturday as Santa Clara brings an explosive, disciplined, and physically imposing roster into The Pit. For the Lobos to capitalize on a rare December Quad-1/Quad-2 home opportunity, they’ll need sharp execution on both ends of the floor. Offensively, UNM must finish strong at the rim or draw fouls against the Broncos’ elite rim protection, led by 7’1 Bukky Oboye and 6’9 Allen Graves. Ball security will be essential, as Santa Clara thrives on full-court pressure and averages 18 points off turnovers. The Lobos will also need to continue their recent hot shooting from deep.

Defensively, UNM must limit Santa Clara’s offensive rebounds and contest a barrage of three-pointers from shooters like Christian Hammond, Sash Gavalyugov, and Elijah Mahi. Finding the right matchups against Hammond and Mahi—Santa Clara’s top scorers—will be critical. A composed, physical effort could give UNM a statement win

ALBUQUERQUE—UNM turned in its most explosive performance of the season Monday, routing Division II New Mexico Highlands 97–47 at The Pit. The Lobos set season highs in points (97) and assists (26) while attempting a school-record 50 three-pointers, hitting 19 for 38%. Freshmen Jake Hall and Timeo Pons scored well from the 3-point line, with Hall posting back-to-back 20-point games. UNM’s defense forced 19 turnovers, generating 35 points, and held NMHU under 30% shooting from the field and 16% from three. Playing without leading rebounder Tomislav Buljan, the Lobos outrebounded the Cowboys 50–35, with all 11 players recording at least one rebound.

ALBUQUERQUE—New Mexico’s paint-first defensive philosophy is increasingly being exploited by opponents who are feasting on open 3-pointers. Through seven games, the Lobos have twice lost after surrendering massive first-half or second-half runs from beyond the arc, including 50% shooting by New Mexico State and nine first-half threes by Nebraska. Overhelping on drives, late closeouts, and repeated ball-screen breakdowns have led to open looks that opponents are hitting at critical moments. Coach Olen has acknowledged scheme issues, as teams now attempt more threes than twos against UNM. The Lobos next host 0-7 Division II New Mexico Highlands, featuring several familiar New Mexico players

Escape from the Sting! Lobo Freshman Jake Hall Sparks Historic Second-Half Comeback

Trailing by a shocking 15 points in the second half—against a 20-point underdog no less—the University of New Mexico men's basketball team was on the brink of one of an embarrassing upset. Alabama State's Hornets had the Pit stunned, building a head-scratching 51-38 halftime lead behind a barrage of deep shots.

But freshman guard Jake Hall refused to let history be written that way.

Fresh off a gritty split in the Hall of Fame Classic—a tournament that tested their mettle against physical opponents—the New Mexico Lobos are hungry for a Thanksgiving Eve thumping against Alabama State.

While the Hornets (3-4) possess dangerous, high-usage guards in Micah Simpson and Asjon Anderson (both averaging 17 PPG), they've also been on the receiving end of several significant blowouts.

The Lobos (4-2) believe they're a "work in progress" that's finding its rhythm, particularly in shooting, and are currently the only team in the country to boast three freshmen averaging double-figure scoring. After navigating controversy and playing a clutch role on Friday, senior guard Deyton Albury is set to return to the starting lineup.

Lobos Prevail in Classic Thriller: Buljan's Historic Night Seals UNM Win

In a grueling, back-and-forth battle, the UNM men’s basketball team showcased incredible toughness and poise to secure a tight 80-78 victory over Mississippi State in the Hall of Fame Classic consolation game. The contest featured 13 lead changes in a dramatic second half, but it was the Lobos who made the "winning plays down the stretch," as described by their coach.

The hero of the night was freshman Tomislav Buljan, who dominated the paint with a monumental, program-defining performance. Finishing with a season-high 19 points and 21 rebounds, Buljan shattered the UNM freshman rebounding record, a mark previously held by Kenny Thomas since 1996.

From Punchless to Punching Back: Lobos Find Grit in Tough Loss

The New Mexico Lobos went from "completely punchless" to a team full of fight in their 84-72 loss to Nebraska. A dismal first half saw UNM trailing 43-25, plagued by a barrage of Cornhuskers' three-pointers, 10 turnovers, and the embarrassing ejection of leading scorer Deyton Albury for a flagrant-2 foul.

But the second half was a different story. Behind a hot start from Jake Hall (who finished with a season-high 20 points) and Antonio Chol, the Lobos slashed a 20-point deficit down to just four points at 51-47, showing true grit and belief.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — New Mexico heads into its matchup with Nebraska still searching for reliable rhythm on the offensive end. The Lobos’ shooting woes resurfaced against New Mexico State, where they managed just 41% from the field and 29% from three. Head coach Eric Olen has acknowledged the growing pains, noting that the team has yet to consistently reach its desired efficiency. “It’s a continual evolution for us offensively,” he said, stressing that the Lobos remain in the early stages of developing the scoring punch they need.

That challenge becomes even steeper against a Nebraska team built on defensive discipline and veteran experience. The Huskers enter the game ranked 55th nationally in defensive effective field-goal percentage and have held opponents to 38% shooting through four contests. With Nebraska’s size and senior-heavy lineup adding another layer of difficulty, New Mexico will need its offense to take a meaningful step forward to keep the matchup competitive.

LAS CRUCES — The UNM men’s basketball team fell 76–68 to New Mexico State on Saturday. The game featured 12 ties and six lead changes before the Aggies’ pressure defense and hot second-half shooting took control. Senior Deyton Albury (18 points) and freshman Uriah Tenette (13) carried the Lobos offensively, combining for 17 of the team’s final 19 points, but UNM went scoreless after Albury fouled out with 1:56 remaining. NMSU outscored UNM 9–2 in the final three minutes behind big shots from Jemel Jones and Anthony Wrzeszcz, who powered an Aggie surge from the three-point line after halftime. UNM’s offensive rhythm suffered under NMSU’s aggressive ball pressure, contributing to 10 turnovers and a 37% first-half shooting mark. In front of a hostile crowd of 8,106, the Lobos struggled to execute late. UNM faces Nebraska next in the Hall of Fame Classic on Nov. 20

LAS CURCES —The UNM men’s basketball team is set to battle their in-state rival, New Mexico State Aggies, on Saturday at the Pan American Center. With guards Deyton Albury and Uriah Tenette still listed as day-to-day and no official update expected until warmups, the Lobo offense may once again depend on the physical play of Luke Haupt and Chris Howell. Haupt and Howell recently proved their ability to muscle into the lane, combining for 26 points against UC Riverside.

The Aggies, coached by Jason Hooten, are expected to ratchet up the defensive pressure. NMSU forced an impressive 43 turnovers in their first two games, continuing Hooten's blueprint of tough defense. NMSU is led by Cal State Bakersfield transfer Jemel Jones, who is averaging 23.5 points per game this season. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at 7 pm, with fans able to catch the action on ESPN+ or tune in via KKOB radio.

ALBUQUERQUE — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team powered past UC Riverside 82–68 Wednesday night in The Pit, using a dominant late second half to stay unbeaten. After the Highlanders tied the game at 53 with 11:30 to play, the Lobos responded with a decisive 14–0 run fueled by defense and fastbreak scoring. UCR guard Andrew Henderson kept the Highlanders close with 27 points and seven 3-pointer. The Lobos outscored the Highlanders 52–10 inside and shot a season-best 52% from the field. Chris Howell led UNM with 15 points, while Luke Haupt added 11 and drew seven fouls. Playing without injured guards Deyton Albury and Uriah Tenette, the Lobos still posted just five turnovers and had six players score in double figures. UNM travels to Las Cruces on Saturday for a rivalry matchup with New Mexico State.

ALBUQUERQUE — First-year UNM head coach Eric Olen faces a familiar opponent Tuesday night as the undefeated Lobos host UC Riverside in The Pit. The Highlanders were the last team to hand Olen a regular-season loss, beating his UC San Diego squad 85-81 in January. Like UNM, UCR enters 2-0 with a rebuilt roster and new coaching staff, led by guard Marqui Worthy (18.5 ppg) and forward Osiris Grady (18 ppg). The matchup will test the Lobos’ interior defense and rebounding, as Riverside brings more size and depth than UNM’s previous opponents. Olen’s team has excelled at forcing turnovers — 44 through two games — but has struggled defending the rim and maintaining defensive intensity in second halves. The game, a Quad 4 opportunity for UNM and Quad 2 for UCR, offers the Lobos their toughest early-season challenge.

ALBUQUERQUE — The UNM men’s basketball team used stifling defense to set the tone early against UT Arlington, defeating the Mavericks 74-56 in The Pit. Freshman forward Tomislav Buljan led the way with a team-high 17 points, including 13 after halftime, as the Lobos consistently fed him the ball inside. Senior Chris Howell helped facilitate the offense with five assists, while senior guard Deyton Albury added 15 points and went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, marking his first double-digit performance in four games. UNM returns to action Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they host UC Riverside at The Pit.

ALBUQUERQUE — The UNM men’s basketball team looks to stay unbeaten when it hosts UT Arlington on Saturday at The Pit. It’s a rematch of a 2023 thriller decided by a Donovan Dent layup, though neither team returns a single player from that game. The Mavericks, picked fourth in the WAC, opened their season with a dominant 91–40 win over North Texas–Dallas, holding their opponent without a field goal for nearly 16 minutes. Preseason All-WAC forward Raysean Seamster led UTA with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while transfers Cash Chavis (Arkansas) and Tyran Mason (North Texas) also contributed. UNM, meanwhile, aims to improve its offensive execution while building on a strong defensive effort in its win against East Texas A&M on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m., with a ticket promotion offering free tickets for children 12 and under with the purchase of one adult ticket.

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico—In UNM’s season opener, the Lobos shifted their offensive focus from perimeter shooting to attacking the paint against East Texas A&M. The Lobos won the rebound count 43-39 and scored scored 38 points inside the paint. Freshman Uriah Tenette made a strong debut off the bench with 14 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Hall also chipped in 14 points while Tajavis Miller added 11 off the bench. UNM’s defense forced 21 turnovers and held ETA&M to 34% shooting. Olen emphasized the team’s defensive strength and expects offensive execution to improve. UNM next faces UT Arlington on Saturday at The Pit.

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico—The UNM men’s basketball team jumped out to a 16–2 lead over Northern Arizona in Thursday’s exhibition but cooled off en route to 64-54 win. Antonio Chol (20 points) and Jake Hall (12) led the Lobos, who shot 36% overall and 31% from three. Coach Eric Olen said the team “regressed” in shot selection and UNM struggled with turnovers and missed free throws. After dominating early defensively, UNM allowed NAU to shoot 45% in the second half. The Lobos will start the regular season next Wednesday at 7:00 pm against East Texas A&M.

PULLMAN, Washington—The Lobos opened the Eric Olen era with a 74–66 exhibition loss to Washington State, but Olen remained optimistic afterward, citing encouraging defensive stretches and valuable lineup experimentation. UNM led 38–37 at halftime after forcing 13 turnovers and closing the half on a 14-5 run, but the offense collapsed in the second half, hitting just 20% from the field and 13% from three as the Cougars pulled away. Despite the loss, Olen said the exhibition gave his team a chance to build chemistry and evaluate rotations ahead of the regular season.