Staff Report
Free throws killed the Lobos in their Monday night loss at Oregon.
The Ducks made theirs when it mattered, but the Lobos didn't.
Oregon was up two points with 22 seconds left when freshman Malik Hairston stepped to the line and sank two to make the score 77-73.
The Lobos got back within two points, but two more free throws, the last by Hairston again, sealed the final score at 79-75.
UNM led at the half, 43-41, but Oregon came out strong for the second, using a 7-0 run to go ahead 61-52. UNM's horrid shooting at the start of the half didn't help - the Lobos hit just 3 of 17 shots to open the half.
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Though the team closed the gap to 65-64 with just under seven minutes to play, David Chiotti missed two free throws that would have put UNM ahead, and the Ducks went on an 8-0 run to build a lead that wouldn't be broken.
Danny Granger had 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Lobos. He also added four blocked shots and four steals. Alfred Neale added 15 points.
Mark Walters, fresh off being named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his Lobo career, finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.
The road losing streak watch began after the Lobos' first road game this season. They have now lost 27 straight away from the Pit, and head coach Ritchie McKay is still waiting for the first road win of his tenure.
The Lobos hit the road again on Dec. 4, when they play at New Mexico State. Their next game on the schedule is against Northern Arizona on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Pit.
