Staff Report
The Lobo men's basketball team got off to a flying start, going 4-0 in exhibition games played north of the border over fall break.
UNM, which lost 17 straight road games last season, swept its Canadian foes, taking four exhibition games over EA Sports Vancouver All Stars, Simon Fraser, the University of Calgary and Trinity Western University. Although the wins will provide much needed confidence for the young Lobos, they do not count in the win-loss column.
On Thursday, the Lobos were buoyed by two David Chiotti free throws in the final seconds to win 78-76 over the University of Calgary. Guard Javin Tindall led UNM with 22 points while Chiotti added 18 to go along with 15 boards.
It was guard Jeff Hart's turn to lead the Lobos on Friday. The sophomore chipped in 18 points and seven rebounds in a 82-68 drubbing of Trinity Western. Tindall added 13, as did newcomer Alfred Neale.
On Saturday, the Lobos played a double header for the first time in school history.
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UNM first squared off against the Vancouver All Stars.
The Lobos featured six scorers in double figures in the 87-66 win. Freshman Ryan Wall had a break-out game against the All Stars with 13 points. Tindall again carried the bulk of the offensive load with 18 points including four of five attempts from three-point range.
Chiotti had another solid game, scoring 12 points in 17 minutes. Hart had a strong game against the All Stars with 11 points, while Mikal Monette and Collins Ferris each added 10.
In the second half of the twin bill, UNM outclassed Simon Fraser 92-70.
Chiotti had perhaps the best night of any Lobo on the road swing, going nine of 11 from the field for 23 points to go with five rebounds and two blocked shots. Tindall continued his hot scoring pace with 21 points.
Hart was again a main contributor, scoring 16 for UNM.
The Lobos return to action at The Pit for an exhibition game against the Basketball Travelers Nov. 11. UNM opens regular season play Nov. 22 at home against San Francisco State University.
