UNM's Lobos had no problem handling the Division III team that shared their namesake at the Pit on Saturday.
The Sul Ross State Lobos fell convincingly to UNM 94-63, giving UNM its second-straight exhibition win. The Lobos beat Eastern New Mexico on Nov. 1, 99-67 at the Pit.
David Chiotti made the most of his 21 minutes, recording a game-high 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting. He also had two offensive and five defensive rebounds.
Danny Granger brought his usual high-flying antics to the Pit. Granger had a couple of rim-shaking dunks and two blocked shots. He played 20 minutes and finished with 16 points. Granger was also perfect from the free-throw line, going 5-for-5.
Coach Ritchie McKay was pleased with his team's performance and said they are ready for the regular season to get under way.
"I think our guys are ready to play a game that counts," he said. "It may look like we are decent right now, but it's hard to tell."
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The Lobos had a tough time out of the gate and kept the fans on their feet, clapping for the first minute and a half before UNM scored. It's a tradition at the Pit to stand until the Lobos score their first bucket of the game.
UNM was stuck at 13 points for more than two minutes before finally going on a 19-0 run that lasted more than five minutes. The Lobos led 52-27 at halftime.
The second half was no different. UNM started on 7-0 run and at one point possessed a 36-point lead. All but three Lobos were in double digits in playing time, with the starters all getting at least 19 minutes.
Senior forward Alfred Neale got the start this game thanks to a great week in practice, McKay said. He was rewarded with 25 minutes of playing time. He scored 11 points, five assists and eight rebounds.
The starting lineup was shifted around this week and Mark Walters got the start at the point guard position in place of Kris Collins.
The Lobos still had some problems with turnovers with 11 in this game - three apiece by Walters and his substitute Collins. Although the Lobos won the game, coach McKay said he was a little concerned with his players' knack for giving the ball away.
"His turnovers (Collins) are bad turnovers he didn't make in practice," he said. "When he feels the urgency, he is a clutch player. When he is loose, I think that he takes too many chances."
The defense played a great game, causing 13 turnovers, seven blocks and seven steals. The big interior of UNM helped keep Sul Ross State out of the paint and forced it to take a plethora of perimeter shots. Tony Dandridge led the Lobos with three blocks and one steal.
The Lobos open their season in the NABC Classic where they will face North Carolina A&T on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Pit.
