The Lobo men passed their first test of the season Monday night by beating Sacramento State - now it's time for the UNM women to prove how good they really are.
For the first time this season the Lobos will play in front of a hostile crowd when they travel to the University of San Francisco Thursday to face the Lady Dons.
UNM head coach Don Flanagan said it will be tough to come out of War Memorial Gym with a win. Like the Lobos, the Dons don't lose at home very often. In fact, they are undefeated at home this season with wins over South Carolina State, Davidson and Kentucky.
"I think this is going to be a very difficult game," Flanagan said. "They're very talented and well-coached and they've played a good schedule like we have."
San Francisco (3-3) lost to the University of Montana at the buzzer Wednesday in Missoula. Their only other losses have come at the hands of Stanford and San Jose State.
For the Lobos, a team that is largely guard-oriented, the biggest challenge will be controlling the Dons' inside strategy. Flanagan said UNM will likely have to double-team San Francisco in the paint.
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"They have a senior who is a pretty good post player," he said. "She cuts really hard and is aggressive toward the basket. We're going to have to make some adjustments so that hopefully we won't give her very many good looks."
Flanagan added that the Dons are not a good shooting team, so by closing down the lane San Francisco will be at a large disadvantage.
The post player Flanagan has been keeping an eye on this week is senior Mary Jane Krueger. Coming off a knee injury in the 2002-03 season, Krueger averaged nine points and eight rebounds per game. But she is gradually returning to full strength and contributed 13 points and a block against Montana.
Flanagan said Krueger is dangerously quick and he doesn't know yet who will have the task of guarding her.
"Every single game we have a different game plan," he said. "It depends on if I want a quick defender like Lindsey (Arndt) or a strong defender like Melissa (Forest)."
But while limiting scoring opportunities for San Francisco is crucial, Flanagan said it is also vital the Lobos improve in some areas.
"So while you're looking to defend, you're looking to get better," he said.
Arndt is leading the way for UNM averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game. Arndt and Forest may need to carry a little extra weight Thursday because, although the freshmen have been successful at home, they may not be as reliable on the road.
Flanagan said he expects the Dons to put a lot of pressure on UNM.
"They're a pressure team and I haven't seen our kids under real pressure," he said. "But I'm trying to get them prepared for our next opponent."
Flanagan said it is important for the young team to play away from home - and it's important that they learn to play well away from home.
"What I'm trying to figure out is what could beat us," he said. "You can't be perfect, but if you take away a couple things it gives you a better chance to win."
The Lobos' next home game will be Sunday at 2 p.m. against the New Mexico State Aggies.
