The UNM women's basketball team came home Thursday night and took out all of its frustrations on San Diego State University in defeating the Aztecs 75-42.
Head coach Don Flanagan stressed getting a win.
"From now on for us, there are no unimportant games," he said. "As far as confidence wise, it was important that we play well."
The Lobos lost two conference games to Colorado State and Wyoming on the road last week and made sure that the two-game losing streak would end in The Pit.
UNM got off to a slow start but still managed to build a 10-point lead towards the end of the first half. Leading 27-17 in the closing minutes of the opening frame, Lobo senior guard Chelsea Grear hit two free throws after being fouled on a breakaway. Following an SDSU turnover, Grear beat the Aztec press and was fouled again going strong to the hoop. She would make both from the line, putting UNM up 31-17. On the Aztecs next possession, sophomore guard Mandi Moore stole the ball and fed Grear for a lay as she was fouled. Grear canned the extra point finishing up her own 7-0 run.
When the halftime buzzer sounded, the Lobos had built a commanding 19-point lead, 36-17.
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In the second half, UNM picked up right where it left off.
Senior center Jordan Adams led the way early in the second period scoring two quick buckets inside. She would later add another basket before Flanagan decided he had seen enough for the night.
With a 55-22 lead and just under 13 minutes to play, Flanagan pulled his starters, giving them a rest while providing some bench players with game experience.
Though UNM played well on the offensive side of the ball, it was the defense that led the way. The team combined for 14 blocks, five coming from Adams. The Lobos held the Aztecs to 26 percent shooting from the field in the game.
Senior guard Cristal Garcia played hounding defense on SDSU's scoring star, guard Jamey Cox. Cox had been averaging 13.9 PPG coming into the game but was held to just two points on the night.
The Lobos are in action again on Saturday when they host UNLV at The Pit. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
