Men's basketball: Lobos improve to 2-0 in MW play

Cullen Neal scored 20-plus points for the fourth time this season to lead New Mexico to its second straight win Saturday night over Fresno State.

The redshirt sophomore guard had 26 points against the Bulldogs, three away from his best total this season, in UNM’s 77-62 victory in Fresno, California. Neal previously dropped 22 points in the season opener against Texas Southern, then 29 against Oral Roberts and 21 against Auburn.

The Lobos (9-6 overall) improved to 2-0 to start Mountain West play despite yet another turnover-plagued night. They committed 24 to Fresno State after 20-turnover night last Wednesday versus Nevada, which UNM also won by double digits. Saturday’s turnovers led to 31 Bulldog points, or half their points.

Neal gave up five of those turnovers but made up for it with his first-half offensive output. He amassed 20 points through the first 20 minutes, hitting 6 of 11 field goals that included three 3-pointers in that period.

Elijah Brown, another ball-handling guard, made six turnovers but also contributed 12 points. Forward Tim Williams added 13 points and nine rebounds, with center Obij Aget finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

UNM led wire to wire, holding the advantage for 39 minutes. The game was tied only once for 57 seconds, with the Lobos holding a 44-27 halftime lead.

The Lobos’ stout 3-point defense seen earlier this year returned as Fresno State (10-5, 1-1 MW) made one triple on 18 attempts, including 0 of 10 in the second half. Overall the Bulldogs were 26 of 72 from the field (36.1 percent).

The Lobos countered by shooting 25 of 47 (53.2 percent) and doing damage from the foul line with 21 made on 27 attempts (77.8 percent).

Guard Marvelle Harris paced Fresno State with 15 points, followed by forwards Cullen Russo and Lewis with 12 apiece and forward Karachi Edo with 11.

UNM does not have a midweek game this week and returns to WisePies Arena next Saturday to host Utah State.

J.R. Oppenheim is the assistant sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s basketball and women’s soccer. Contact him at assistantsports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @JROppenheim.