The UNM women's basketball team collected win No. 200 at The Pit against the Idaho State Bengals on Sunday.
UNM entered Sunday's matchup with a combined record of 29-11 against teams from the Big Sky Conference. And thanks to a 77-43 whitewash over Idaho State, the Lobos improved to 30-11.
With UNM up 8-4 early in the first half, the Lobos went on a 24-9 tear to widen the gap to 29-13 with 7:04 left. Amy Beggin added seven points, and Jessica Kielpinski had a pair of 3-pointers during the run.
The Lobos led 40-20 at the half.
"The intensity was good early," head coach Don Flanagan said. "We had a breakdown in the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half. We didn't play as well as we were capable of."
UNM improved to 2-0 and will face DePaul today.
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Angela Hartill led the Lobos with 20 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Beggin was the only other Lobo in double-figures, with 18 points.
Flanagan said the two wins should give the Lobos a boost for tonight's matchup.
"I think your mental frame of mind is as important as anything else," Flanagan said. "If you believe you're going to be successful, most times you are. Anytime you get a couple wins, it gives you confidence."
The Blue Demons, who devoured Alcorn State 90-42, are undefeated heading into their matchup against UNM.
Among some of the things the Lobos will need to fine-tune before the game, Flanagan said limiting 3-point attempts is pivotal. The Lobos allowed Idaho State to attempt 30 shots from behind the arc.
Granted, Flanagan said he'd rather see a team launch bombs from the perimeter than navigate into the paint, but he said it's a concern that will need to be addressed.
"I thought, in transition, we didn't do a good job of going out and picking up the 3," he said. "That's a lot of 3s, and people don't shoot 3s unless they think they're open. I thought some of our younger players just didn't pick up quickly enough. Plus, they ran what we call push-kick - they drive and you come over to help, then they kick. It's a concern. We'll get better."
UNM came out a bit flatfooted in the second half, allowing three straight 3-point attempts by the Bengals to trim its lead to 11 at 40-29. But that's as close as Idaho State would get.
The Lobos used 20 points off 17 turnovers to counteract the Bengals' nine 3-pointers.
Still, the Lobos might not have to worry about defending the Blue Demons on the perimeter as much. DePaul attempted seventeen 3-pointers against Idaho State on Saturday, making a paltry 24 percent of its attempts.
But Beggin said the Lobos have to be prepared either way.
"DePaul is a good team," Beggin said. "We got to see them play for the last two days. They've been a national powerhouse for the past couple years."
Following up a seven-assist performance on Saturday, Beggin tied a career-high, shelling out eight assists on Sunday.
"I'm just trying to play the game," she said. "I don't know my stats when I'm out there. Hopefully, I can break (my career high) one day."
Beggin said the Lobos can't rely strictly on talent. They need to close out games.
"We weren't getting out on their players," she said. "It's just a good reminder for us that no matter what the lead is, they can get back in the game really quick. We have to stay focused for 40 minutes and play the whole game."
