Chad Toppert knows his team has faith in his shooting ability - being the most accurate 3-point shooter in UNM history will have that effect.
Toppert said he enjoys his role on the UNM basketball team.
"I definitely think my teammates have confidence in me, and they know I'm capable of making shots at any time," he said. "When they're driving in the lane, when the guards are penetrating, they know exactly where to find me. If I'm making my shots, then I know that helps the other guys feed off my made shots."
In his career, Toppert has shot 45.2 percent from 3-point range on 152-of-336 attempts.
He said it's an honor to top the school's list, but he doesn't think about the number during games.
"It feels good," he said. "I don't really look much at the stats and stuff. I try not to look at that stuff and just take it game by game. Hopefully, I can keep up making the majority of my shots."
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Toppert said accurate 3-point shooting has its benefits.
"I think my offensive performance will be able to help us out a lot, especially on the road," he said. "If we get down or if another team makes a run, then I feel like I can help get us back in the game. Even if we're up, we can build on a lead with my 3-point shot."
Toppert has made a 3-pointer in 13 straight games and helped the Lobos to a 16-4 record. UNM head coach Steve Alford hasn't had this good of a start since the 2000-01 season at Iowa when the Hawkeyes started 17-4.
Alford said Toppert's shooting opens opportunities for everyone on the offense.
"Anytime you've got a threat like Chad at 20 feet, it spreads defenses." he said.
In Tuesday's 77-67 overtime win at The Pit against Utah, Toppert contributed 14 points on 4-of-8 from behind the arc.
It wasn't the first time Toppert damaged the Utes. He is 13-of-23 from deep in his last three games against Utah.
Toppert's 152 career 3-pointers is eighth on the all-time UNM list.
Alford said opponents should worry about Toppert because of his range and ability to rapidly put points on the board.
"They have to think about guys like Chad, because Chad can hurt you, and he can hurt you quickly," he said. "You're talking about, if you go possession by possession, he bangs down two 3s in about 30 seconds - that's a six-point swing. So, he's got a very dangerous weapon in that right arm."
