UNM women's basketball head coach Don Flanagan added to his already robust résumé on Wednesday at The Pit.
After the Lobos' 79-33 destruction of Air Force, Flanagan was given a commemorative basketball recognizing his 300th win.
But before Flanagan could celebrate the feat, the long-time coach was denied in three consecutive games.
"I never thought that it was on (the players') minds, but obviously it was a little bit," Flanagan said. "I am glad to get it over with. To tell you the truth, it's a nice honor, but I am glad we don't have to go through that again."
Flanagan, who took the reins in 1995, entered the 2008-09 season 17 wins shy of the 300 mark.
Flanagan reached the 90-win plateau at UNM in 133 games as head coach and, in the process, surpassed former head coach Doug Hoselton in all-time victories. Hoselton had 89 wins.
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"It's very nice and a great job by this team to get 300 (for Flanagan)," Eileen Weissmann said. "It is nice to get a win, because we have been struggling."
But Flanagan was winning basketball games long before came to UNM.
At Eldorado High School, where Flanagan coached the Eagles' girls team from 1979-95, he posted an astonishing 401-13 record, which included 11 state championships, 15 district titles and winning streaks of 77, 74, 69 and 67 games.
His penchant for success has continued at UNM, especially in the confines of the The Pit. There, the women's program is 200-43 at home under Flanagan.
In his 13 years with UNM, Flanagan has averaged 22 wins a season, captured three
regular-season Mountain West Conference championships and six tournament championships. He has also notched eight straight 20-win seasons and had a winning record for 12 straight years. Flanagan has 10 20-win seasons overall.
During his tenure, Flanagan has posted a nonconference record of 138-65 and a conference record of 161-65.
Flanagan will need only three more wins this year to complete his ninth straight 20-win season.
But to Flanagan, this was just another win. He said he wants his team to stay focused and finish the rest of conference play strong.
"I didn't remember when I had 200. I didn't remember when we had 150, and I actually don't remember when we got 100," he said. "This means a little bit more because it goes beyond anybody that's been here before and coaching. I am pretty happy with that."
