New Mexico relied on its strengths in the paint in an 84-71 win against the unorthodox playing style of Sacramento State.
The Lobos had a lot to prepare for in a short amount of time when taking on the Hornets. Sac State Head coach Bunky Harkleroad runs an offensive scheme that keeps his players on fresh legs at all times. Harkleroad regularly subs five players in at a time, providing consistent relief for his bench and starters.
“It’s a hard system,” UNM head coach Yvonne Sanchez said. “It’s a tough system to prepare for, and I thought our kids did a great job.”
Senior forward Khadijah Shumpert said the Lobos were able to showcase how in-shape they were when facing the rotations of fresh legs.
“They have a lot of heart and the play with a lot of effort,” Sanchez said of the Hornets. “I’m probably one of their biggest fans right now.”
It was a contest in which the Lobos were able to flex their offensive muscle as well. Having struggled against the press in the first two games, UNM came out with eyes focused down the court. Sanchez said she was pleased with the way her team was able to move the ball around.
Freshman guard Jannon Otto said it was imperative that the Lobos beat the press after having trouble breaking the pressure defense in the first few contests.
“Our press break was really good,” she said. “We’ve been working on that, so we kind of moved the ball around and found the open person.”
New Mexico is a team with depth in the post. However, the team hasn’t been able to utilize its play in the paint, which Shumpert said she is glad to see back.
Shumpert’s 10 boards and 21 points were good enough for her first double-double this season. One thing the senior said was finally working was the ability to convert at the charity stripe, which UNM had also struggled with in the early stages of the season.
“We took some time out on our own, as well as as a team, to actually shoot free throws and make sure we focus on it,” Shumpert said. “We’re a Division I school. We can’t lack from the free throw line; they’re free points.”
While Sanchez was also concerned with her team’s ability to convert at the line, Sanchez said she was baffled at the team’s lackluster performance in the field.
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“I know our kids are good shooters. I don’t know what was going on,” Sanchez said. “Sometimes you have to have a game like the one at New Mexico State just to get a little bit of a wakeup call.”
UNM fell to the Aggies 78-59 in the Rio Grande Rivalry on Tuesday night, shooting only 39 percent while committing 19 turnovers in the loss. On Saturday, UNM turned the ball over 26 times but shot 56.7 percent from the field.
Otto said the way her team was able to bounce back from getting routed in Las Cruces was a good confidence builder and a good way to present the team’s ability to play together.
“I felt like we all came out and were just ready to play, just excited to play,” Otto said. “I think it was great to have everyone on the same page.”
Liam Cary-Eaves is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at assistantsports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Liam_CE.
