The University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team seemed up for the challenge against the San Diego State University Aztecs, in what could be the Lobos last trip to Viejas Arena, with the Aztecs moving to the Pac-12 next year. The game came down to the wire, with SDSU guard BJ Davis making a last-second shot, leading to an 83-79 win on Saturday, Jan. 17.
With the Aztecs having a slim lead early over the Lobos, guard Luke Haupt made a crucial three-pointer to put the Lobos up. Lobo guard Jake Hall kept the momentum going, scoring two shots. With the team flowing, guard Tajavis Miller stepped up, making crucial shots to keep the game close while the team fought to stay up.
In the last ten minutes of the first half, the Lobos and San Diego State traded the lead until San Diego State broke away. The half ended with San Diego State out in front with a 48-35 lead.
By the second half, San Diego State kept the Lobos at bay until Hall scored some more big-time shots, bringing the momentum back to the Lobos with eighteen minutes remaining in the second half. Forward Tomislav Buljan boosted the Lobos’ momentum even further, getting a steal and two massive dunks, knocking the deficit down to three points.
Fighting for every point and hustling for every rebound, the Lobos did everything they could to keep the score close. Haupt made a huge three-pointer to tie the game 73-73; despite this, San Diego State stayed focused. Buljan got another impressive dunk to put the Lobos up 79-77, taking the lead for the first time in the second half with just under two minutes to go. With the clock winding down, the Lobos couldn't capitalize on their late lead, which led to San Diego State eking out the win 83-79.
The Lobos fought tooth and nail for the victory against San Diego State, but it wasn’t enough. Despite the loss, Buljan had a monster game, finishing with 20 points and 14 rebounds, achieving his seventh double-double of this season.
With a record of 14-4, 5-2 in conference, and sitting in third place in the Mountain West , the Lobos still hope to take control of the conference. The Lobos will look to rebound back at home in The Pit against another Mountain West foe, the California State University, Fresno Bulldogs on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Austin Bishop is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @austinrbishop23
