by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
When a team defeats another in 20 straight games, it can hardly be called a rivalry.
Still, when the UNM women's basketball team hosts the New Mexico State Aggies on Saturday, Lobo players are calling it a big deal.
"I think it's a really good rivalry for us," senior guard Julie Briody said. "I think it's a game that we both get up for."
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The Lobos enter the game 4-2 and are riding a three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Aggies come into The Pit at 2-4.
Although NMSU has a losing record, it should be a challenge for UNM, Briody said.
"Every year, they've gotten better since I've been here," she said. "They've got a good coach and a lot of role players who do really well for them."
Saturday's game will be the 55th meeting between the two teams. UNM is 33-21 overall and has won 20 straight against NMSU.
Senior guard Katie Montgomery said the Aggie game is still a big deal no matter how many games the Lobos have won in a row.
"I think it is. I think every year since I've been here it's gotten to be more and more of a rivalry," she said. "They've gotten better each year. They're going to bring a good team."
Lobo guard Brandi Kimble said UNM cannot have a let-down game against the Aggies.
"We have to be ready to play our A game," she said. "They're still a tough team, and they're actually improving each year. It should be a good game."
Kimble is one of the players who knows how tough the Aggies can play the Lobos. Last year in Las Cruces, it took three overtimes for UNM to beat NMSU.
Kimble said she is looking forward to taking on the Aggies.
"We're pretty pumped up about it," she said. "Last year we went into three overtimes, so we just have to make sure we do the little things. If we do, we'll be fine."
Freshman guard Amy Beggin said she is excited to get her first taste of the rivalry.
"I'm really looking forward to it," she said. "They always play us well. Hopefully, there's a good crowd on hand, and we can take them down."
Briody said with the Aggies coming in, the fans should be extra riled up at The Pit.
"I hope the fans are going to be really crazy," she said. "It is an in-state rival and a game I think our fans look forward to every year. I hope we get a lot of people out, because we're going to need their support."
Aside from the crowd help, the Lobos must limit their mistakes in order to beat the Aggies, Montgomery said.
"We got to take care of the ball," she said. "They're pretty scrappy, especially at the guard position."
Briody said playing in her final home game against the Aggies will be motivation for her and the other seniors on the team.
"I don't want to be the first group of seniors - and Katie and Timi (E-Nunu) can vouch for this - that loses to New Mexico State," Briody said. "I think that we have a little bit more oomph behind this one. I think you can look for us to go out and play up to our potential."
Women's
basketball vs. New Mexico State
Saturday
7 p.m.
The Pit
