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All five New Mexico starters reached double figures as the Lobos won their second preseason exhibition game before the regular season begins.
Forward Cameron Bairstow led the pack with 16 points and nine rebounds in UNM’s 94-51 victory over Jamestown Wednesday night at The Pit. With the Lobos’ earlier preseason victory over Eastern New Mexico, UNM starts its season Saturday with a home game against Alabama A&M.
Bairstow’s front-court mate, center Alex Kirk, picked up his second double-double in the preseason after posting 12 points and 10 rebounds against the Jimmies. Guard Cullen Neal added 14 points, including three 3-pointers, while guard Kendall Williams added 11 points and guard Hugh Greenwood netted 10.
“Well, we got a lot done tonight and I was happy with the outcome,” UNM coach Craig Neal said. “We got a lot done and we got a little better defensively in the second half and held them to 20 points. It was a good test for us.”
UNM contained Jamestown to 29 percent from the field, but the Jimmies shot lights-out from 3-point range with 11 triples. In fact, they hit more 3-point field goals than 2-point shots. They were 20 of 69 overall from the field.
While Jamestown shot from long range, UNM controlled the post to outscore the Jimmies 46-13 in the paint and 18-3 on second-chance points. On the boards UNM pulled down 56 rebounds and limited Jamestown to 26.
The Lobos shot over 50 percent, connecting on 34 of their 64 attempts. UNM held a 43-31 halftime lead before outscoring Jamestown 51-20 in the latter 20 minutes. The Lobos ended the game with a 21-0 run over the final nine minutes, benefitting also from 14 missed shots by the Jimmies.
Jamestown also did not attempt a free throw.
Craig Neal acknowledged there were aspects of the game to improve upon. For example, the Lobos made only five 3-pointers in 17 attempts.
“I think that’s going to come,” he said. “Overall, it was a good effort and now we need to gear up for Saturday and I’m excited really excited about the opener.”
The Lobos have not lost a preseason game since 2001, and Craig Neal has won all five exhibitions since becoming UNM’s head coach last spring – the two this week and three in Australia.
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Tip-off for Saturday’s season opener against Alabama A&M is at 8:05 p.m. at The Pit.
