New Mexico’s stout defense propelled it to a 56-37 victory over Northern Arizona on Sunday at the Pit.
Although the Lobos offensive game was inconsistent, UNM (4-7) came through in a variety of different areas to pick up the slack. Head Coach Yvonne Sanchez said it was critical for her team to find a way to win even when shots aren’t falling.
“NAU is that gutsy, crafty, scrappy team that just won’t let it die,” Sanchez said. “I can’t describe this game. It’s kind of like a rollercoaster…It definitely was a magic mountain ride.”
Not a single player for the Lobos broke double digits in scoring. Junior guard Antiesha Brown had a team-high nine points in a game that featured 75 missed shots. Neither offense could get in any type of rhythm going; both shot under 30 percent from the field.
Northern Arizona (4-7) could only muster up 13 points in the first half which is the fewest amount ever allowed in the Sanchez era. The Lumberjacks trailed the Lobos by 10 points at the intermission despite outshooting New Mexico percentage wise.
UNM’s defense remained sound throughout the entirety of the game while the offense was shaky to say the least in long scoreless stretches.
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“With each team we have to prepare differently,” sophomore forward Kianna Keller said. “Today we obviously had to play defensively.”
Although Keller only scored three points, her four blocks and seven rebounds gave the Lobos a much needed edge inside the paint.
UNM outrebounded the Lumberjacks 50-32, 17 of which were offensive. Sanchez said this was one of Keller’s best games since joining the team a year ago.
Junior walk on Alexa Chavez was a major contributor to the team’s dominance inside snatching a game-high 10 rebounds in addition to seven points.
“It just comes down to if you outscore the other team, that’s all that matters,” Chavez said. “These past three games we have worked really well together and that is just going to grow.”
Chavez said it’s nice to score a lot of points but said winning defensive struggles are just another part of the game. Coming off the bench, Chavez provides a consistent defensive presence down low.
After a slow start to the season, the Lobos have gotten hot just in time for conference play. The Lobos are averaging just over 62 points a game while holding opponents to 54 points per contest over the team’s three game win streak.
One of the keys to UNM’s success as of late has been their ability to play with a lead. It wasn’t until the ninth game of the season that the Lobos had a lead at halftime. UNM has won all three games when leading at the halfway mark.
The Lobos will head to Fresno State on New Year’s Eve to open up conference play.
“Now season two starts and it starts getting fun,” Sanchez said. “They did what they had to do to get a much deserved break and then we’ll get back and get ready for Fresno.”
Liam Cary-Eaves is the assistant sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Liam_CE.
