The Lobos put on a display of defense that led the Lobos to a blowout victory of 74-56 at The Pit on Saturday, Nov. 8, when the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team hosted the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks.
Forward Tomislav Buljan led the Lobos in scoring, as the freshman had 17 points, shooting six of eight on the night, drawing six fouls and converting five of seven at the free-throw line. Lobos guard Deyton Albury also chipped in 15 points and helped lead the defensive front, creating three steals while being a pest for the Mavericks.
Last year, the Lobos were one of the fastest-paced teams in the country. This year, the defense has led the way for the team two games into the season, with the Lobos’ offense seeming a bit disjointed at times.
In the first half of the game, the Lobos shot 33% and went 14% from the three-point line as a cold front was moving in on the team near the baskets. Still, Albury was able to convert for the Lobos, scoring 10 points by halftime, which surpassed his total from the last game of six points.
The Lobos were being forced to rely on their defense; New Mexico held the Mavericks to an even icier 22% from the field and 13% from the three. The Lobos were also able to force 14 turnovers in the first half; nine of those came from steals from six different Lobos. UNM had 13 of their 31 points at the break off of those turnovers and led 31-19.
Coming out of halftime, the Lobos and Mavericks got their shooting percentages up and some baskets to fall compared to the first half, but once again, it was all the Lobos.
Buljan stole the show in the second half of the game and went off, scoring 13 points, going four of four, getting to the free throw line, converting five of seven, with 12 of his points coming from inside the paint. Buljan’s increased presence inside the paint helped free up some space on the court, making it easier for the team to convert offensively.
The Lobos were able to shoot 48% and 33% from three, making their game shooting percentages on the night 40% and 23%, compared to the Mavericks’ shooting percentages, which were heavily affected by the Lobos’ defense, 35% and 12% from three.
Defense was the star of the show, as UNM forced another nine turnovers, five of which being steals, which brought their total of the game to 23 turnovers from 14 steals that led to 32 points scored off of those turnovers.
The Lobos also notched 15 assists in the game, as guard Chris Howell took credit for a third of those assists. A sore spot for UNM was rebounding, as the Lobos were out-rebounded by UTA 38-30, and gave up 14 offensive rebounds to the Mavericks.
Stellar defense and bounce-back offense led the Lobos to a massive win, where they once again held the opposing team to under 60 points and defeated the opponent by double figures.
Though happy with the result, Lobos Head Coach Eric Olen made it clear that UNM still have a lot of room to grow.
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“I expect us to really improve as the season goes along. I don’t think we’re anywhere close to our best basketball, on both sides of the ball,” Olen said.
The Lobos will be back in action at home on Tuesday, Nov. 11, against the University of California Riverside Highlanders at the Pit.
Wyatt S. Padilla is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @wyattspadilla
