Chad Toppert did what he knew best against the Colorado State Rams on Wednesday at The Pit.
"He didn't stop shooting," head coach Steve Alford said.
The senior from Albuquerque overcame a dismal three-point first half against the Rams only to blow up for 15 points in the second half. His timely shooting helped the UNM men's basketball team defeat CSU 68-50.
Toppert also played a season-high 33 minutes and made his first start since Feb. 28.
In place of freshman Phillip McDonald, who didn't play because of an illness, Toppert made his 28th career start for the Lobos.
"I am really happy for Toppert, because he didn't have a particularly good shooting night," Alford said. "He got to the free throw line, he rebounded, and he did a lot of good things for us other than just make shots."
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Toppert hit 4-of-13 field goals and made 2-of-7 3-pointers to finish with a team-high 18 points.
It was Toppert's 13th game this season with 10-plus points. UNM is 3-0 this season when he leads the team in scoring.
While the numbers aren't always great for Toppert, he said it comes with the territory of being a long-range threat.
"As a shooter, you are going to miss some," Toppert said. "And if you block out the shots that you miss, you keep looking forward to the next shot. It's the mind-set you have to have."
The Lobos will travel to Salt Lake City to face 7-feet-2-inch center Luke Nevill and the Utah Utes.
The Utes, 4-2 in the MWC, are coming off a thrilling 94-88 overtime win against the BYU Cougars.
"It sets up a great weekend (of basketball)," Alford said. "You got two teams that have two losses in the league. We have to play them twice yet, but the first one's at their house."
With Wednesday's win over the Rams, UNM is 4-2 in conference play and moved into a four-way tie for first place in the MWC.
"It's going to be a really good game, and both teams are doing really well so far," Toppert said. "We are going to have to play a really good game out there. It's a really good challenge and lots of fun to be part of a game that will have a good crowd and a great atmosphere."
"Challenge" might be an understatement. Heading into Saturday's battle, Nevill is coming off a career-high 32 points against the Cougars. He is averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds a game.
