The Lobos men’s basketball team headed to Logan, Utah to wrap up their regular season in a crucial contest against the Utah State University Aggies where they had the opportunity to share the Mountain West regular season title and claim the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. After a high-scoring first half, they were unable to maintain their game as they got cold down the stretch, losing 94-90 on Saturday, March 7.
The Lobos started out of the gates flat, trailing early 10-2 less than three minutes into the first half. Despite being down as much as 12 points, UNM adjusted to make it an offense-heavy, physical affair. They finished the half strong, going on a 7-0 run and taking a 43-42 lead entering the locker room. Lobo guard Jake Hall was at the forefront with 19 points in the opening half — 9 within the final 6 minutes.
After an exciting end to the first half for the Lobos, Utah State came back with energy and a 12-2 run to open the second half. The Lobos were never able to build upon their lead at half, trailing behind Utah State for the remainder of the game.
Hall ultimately finished with 32 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. He had an excellent start to the game but cooled off in the final 10 minutes, missing his last seven shots beyond the arc.
UNM battled to the very end, trailing 88-79 with less than a minute to go, and closing out on an 11-6 run following some late baskets from guards Tajavis Miller and Uriah Tenette, cutting Utah State’s lead to two. Miller finished with 16 points, including 5 of 6 from three-point range, and snatching 5 rebounds. Tenette finished with 14 points and 7 assists.
Following the defeat, the Lobos ended their regular season on a two game skid, looking for answers heading into Las Vegas for the Mountain West Tournament on March 12-14.
The Lobos will be the No. 3 seed in the Mountain West Tournament with a first round bye. On Thursday, March 12, they will face the winner of the Boise State University Broncos and San Jose State University Spartans’ game the day prior.
Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
