The Lobos will be looking to rebound from a stunning loss and regain their focus at WisePies Arena as they host the UNLV Rebels in a Tuesday night showdown.
New Mexico (9-7, 2-2 MW) may have lost a lot Saturday night after falling in overtime to Nevada 105-104. The team blew a 25-point lead with 11 minutes remaining, is no longer undefeated at home and may have lost its confidence.
“I’ve never seen anything like that,” UNM head coach Craig Neal said. “I’ve never been a part of what happened the other night. You gotta give them credit. We just didn’t finish the game.”
Despite the painful result, Neal said his team should be ready to move forward. He said he wants the team to play hard, have fun and thinks they are in a good place.
“I think our guys are anxious to get back on the floor and I think I am too,” he said during Monday’s press conference.
Tuesday’s game against UNLV could be the perfect opportunity for New Mexico to bounce back.
UNLV has lost three of its first four conference games this season and has posted an 8-9 record overall. The Rebels last seven losses have all been by double digits, most recently falling to Utah State 79-63.
Last year, the Lobos took a 74-86 loss when they traveled to UNLV in January. But a month later when they hosted the Rebels, they managed to split the series by winning 87-83.
Head coach Marvin Menzies is in his first year at the helm for UNLV, but should be very familiar with UNM having coached New Mexico State the previous nine seasons.
UNLV has already been tested early this season. The team has faced three top-25 teams, including AP No. 2 Kansas and No. 7 Duke in a pair of lopsided losses.
The Rebels appear to have some issues defensively. Utah State scored most of its 79 points from the floor on 52.6 percent shooting, getting just six points from the foul line.
New Mexico could have success if it is able to shoot over the zone. The Rebels usually employ a 2-3 zone defense, a strategy that failed them as Utah State made 13 three-pointers.
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UNLV isn’t the only team trying to shore up its defense, as UNM has struggled to find its footing since the beginning of the season.
“Our 3-point shooting defense has improved one point,” Neal said.
Prior to allowing a Nevada shooting barrage in Saturday’s collapse, the Lobos had defended the 3-point line well. This season has seen several ups and downs, which has led to a lot of criticism of the team, much of it directed at the head coach.
Neal said that for 37 minutes, he saw the best his team has played. He also added that he still believes his team has potential to go far this season.
During Monday’s press conference, Neal said that the best way to help his players is to ignore the noise, stay positive and try to “weather this thing together.”
“I know I’m a good coach,” he said. “Do I make mistakes? Yes. Do I have to get better? Everybody does. Am I learning? Yes.“
Neal acknowledged that the program might not be what it was a few years ago during the Steve Alford era but that he is working hard to get it back to that level.
“I took over for a guy that’s the greatest coach that ever coached here,” he said. “He set the foundation for us to be successful, I just haven’t lived up to it yet.”
The Lobos have a chance to respond against UNLV and show it has the ability to be successful and finish. Tuesday’s game against the Rebels tips off at 7 p.m. in WisePies Arena. It can be viewed on ESPN3 and will also be broadcast via radio on 770 KKOB.
Injury Report:
Coach Neal said Connor MacDougall might be out until at least the Boise State game on Jan. 17 due to being in the concussion protocol.
Jordan Hunter, who turned his right ankle during the San Diego State game on Jan. 1, seems to be doing better and was able to practice on Monday.
Isabel Gonzalez is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. She mainly covers men’s soccer and basketball. She can be reached at sports @dailylobo.com or on Twitter @cisabelg.
