Sports

Sports

OPINION: 2024-25 NFL playoff predictions and Super Bowl contenders

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | January 13

The NFL’s regular season ended Jan. 5, ushering in a new era of football. Below are Wild Card Weekend predictions and potential LIX Super Bowl contenders. NFC No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) vs. no. 7 Green Bay Packers (11-6) This will be a tight match-up, with both teams struggling with injuries: Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is coming off a concussion, and Packers QB Jordan Love injured his elbow playing against the Chicago Bears Jan. 5.

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Men’s basketball: Lobos remain undefeated in conference play with win over Aztecs

Jaden McKelvey-Francis | January 13

Defense was the order of the day. Coming into the game on Saturday, Jan. 11, the San Diego State University Aztecs were ranked sixth nationally in defensive efficiency. Their defense did not disappoint, as they held the Lobos to 35.8% from the field and only 21.4% from beyond the arc. However, the Lobos’ defense was equally impressive. The Lobos came out with energy bolstered by the sold-out crowd of 15,428 fans, eventually winning the game 62-48. The Lobos ended the game with seven steals and nine turnovers, compared to San Diego's 14 turnovers. The 48 points scored by the Aztecs were their lowest of the season so far, according to ESPN.

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Women’s basketball: Lobos take care of business against Wyoming Cowgirls

Rodney Prunty | January 13

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team had a Mountain West showdown against the University of Wyoming Cowgirls. Each team came into the game on a three-game winning streak. It was exciting down to the final buzzer, as the Lobos secured a 73-67 victory.

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Men’s basketball: Aggies stun Lobos

Rodney Prunty | December 9

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Rio Grande Rivalry was put on the forefront as the New Mexico State University Aggies traveled up from Las Cruces to face the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team at The Pit, resulting in an 89-83 loss for the Lobos. The game was sold out as fans flooded in to see how it would unfold. The Lobos came into the game after their win against San Jose State, while the Aggies came in on a five-game losing streak. The Lobos started the game looking sharp; the offense looked the most consistent it had looked all year. Center Nelly Junior Joseph got his night started fast as he was dominating down low early on.

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Women’s basketball: Lobos slip up in second half against Aggies

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 9

The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team faced off at The Pit against its rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, on Friday, Dec. 6. They fell to the Aggies 81-71. The Lobos move to 5-4 in the season, unable to rack up some wins before facing conference rivals starting at the end of the month. The tone for the night was set very early. It was a back-and-forth battle between both teams until the fourth quarter, when the Lobos couldn't keep up with the Aggies.

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UNM football team to see mass exodus

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 9

The University of New Mexico football team has been plagued by sudden roster changes since the start of this month, with two staff members — including Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall — and at least 11 players announcing their upcoming departures. Mendenhall, along with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, quarterback Devon Dampier, wide receiver Luke Wysong, safety Bryson Taylor, running back Eli Sanders, edge Max Lantzsch, running back Javen Jacobs, cornerback Noah Avinger, tight end Everett Hunter, offensive lineman Wallace Unamba, tight end Trace Bruckler and wide receiver Caleb Medford have all announced this week that they do not plan on returning next season.

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Fernando Lovo named as next UNM Athletics director and vice president

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 4

On Nov. 24, the University of New Mexico announced the appointment of Fernando “Fern” Lovo as the next vice president and director of athletics starting Sunday, Dec. 1. Lovo comes to UNM after serving as executive senior associate athletics director for operations at the University of Texas Austin. He has also worked for Ohio State University and in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Lovo said he got his start as an equipment manager for the University of Florida’s football team.

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Sports

Lobo basketball player allegedly attacked by teammate; UNM investigates misconduct

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 4

A University of New Mexico basketball player was allegedly attacked by a teammate following an argument on a plane ride to a Thanksgiving tournament, KOB reported on Monday, Dec. 2. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, KRQE investigators released an interview with redshirt freshman Shane Douma-Sanchez, who said he was injured during the fight that took place Thursday, Nov. 26 over an airplane seat. In an interview with KRQE, Douma-Sanchez said that when the plane landed in Palm Springs for the team’s Acrisure Classic tournament, a teammate hit his already-injured shoulder and punched him in the face, fracturing his nose.

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Men’s basketball: Lobos’ second-half effort leads to win over Texas Southern

Jaden McKelvey-Francis | November 26

The Lobos were energetic from the jump in their game against Texas Southern University on Sunday, Nov. 24, and it showed. They beat the Tigers 99-68 in their largest margin of victory of the season. After winning the tipoff and a quick 3-point attempt from Mustapha Amzil, the Lobos stole the outlet pass but were unable to convert. The next time down, Tru Washington got a steal, leading to a breakaway dunk for the Lobos’ first points.

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Men’s basketball: Physical game leads to a victory over Grambling State

Rodney Prunty | November 25

The University of New Mexico men's basketball team faced off against the Grambling State University Tigers on Thursday, Nov. 21. From the start of the game, both teams displayed a physical play style, indicating it would be a long night. In the end, the Lobos proved they could be aggressive and outplay their opponents at the same time, walking away with an 80-58 win. When the first half started, Grambling State was all over UNM, making it clear that the Tigers were not going to make it easy for the Lobos. Grambling State jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead, being physical on both defense and offense. The Lobos, however, were not looking to lose the game, and they immediately matched the energy that Grambling State brought.

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Women’s basketball: Lobos crush South Carolina State in 80-38 victory

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 25

The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team dominated the South Carolina State University Bulldogs with an 80-38 win at The Pit on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Head Coach Mike Bradbury said he is proud of the team for their victory. “I thought we were much better in the second half,” Bradbury said, adding that the Lobos “are going to have a much better year than they did last year.”

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Women’s basketball: Defense shows out in blowout win against Western New Mexico

Rodney Prunty | November 18

Defense was the order of the day for the Lobos on Friday, Nov. 15. Their strong effort was a huge part of their 85-56 win against the Western New Mexico University Mustangs. The Lobos finished the game with 13 steals and six blocks. Head Coach Mike Bradbury said he was very satisfied with his team's defensive performance during the night. “We were good in transition and it was good to see,” Bradbury said. “It led to some easy baskets.”

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Volleyball: Lobos ground Air Force for third conference win

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 18

he University of New Mexico’s volleyball team won in four sets against the Air Force Academy Falcons on Tuesday, Nov. 12, keeping a tournament appearance alive. Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said he’s excited for the team and its ability to fight after winning three games in a row thus far. “I’m stoked for the team, you know? They’re playing hard,” Newman-Gonchar said. “They know it’s one of those weeks where it’s ‘sleep, drive, sleep, drive.’” On Nov. 9, the Lobos faced the Utah State University Aggies at home and won in an exhausting five-set victory. They continued their path to victory against the Falcons.

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Football: Lobos claw to a nail-biting 38-35 victory over ranked Washington State

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 18

The University of New Mexico football team came up big against nationally ranked No. 19/18 Washington State University Cougars on Saturday, Nov. 16, securing a tight 38-35 victory. The Lobos left Saturday night sporting a 5-6 record — 3-3 in conference play. A scene from a movie unfolded at University Stadium. From end zone to end zone, fans wearing cherry and silver blanketed the field, howling for a Lobo victory against a nationally ranked team. The last time the Lobos beat a ranked opponent was 2003, and the last time they beat a ranked opponent at home was 1994, according to a Lobo Athletics Instagram post.

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Volleyball: Lobos wrangle the Broncos in tight four-set victory

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 18

The University of New Mexico’s volleyball team won in four sets against the Boise State University Broncos in the Senior Night game on Thursday, Nov. 14. This victory solidified an incredible comeback for UNM from their previous nine-loss nightmare just weeks prior. Now the Lobos move to 6-10 in conference play and 13-13 overall to stay alive in the hunt for a tournament appearance. There was a large fan turnout for the seniors. Before the game started, Lobo seniors were recognized on the court with plaques, flowers and the ear-ringing cheers of the crowd.

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Volleyball: Lobos stun Utah State Aggies with a five-set victory

Elizabeth Bolke and Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 11

The University of New Mexico volleyball team won in a nail-biting five-set victory over the Utah State University Aggies on Saturday, Nov. 9. The Lobos beat two Mountain West rival teams in one week, whiplashing UNM fans after their previous nine consecutive losses. UNM rose to 11-13 overall and 4-10 in conference play, keeping the door open for a tournament appearance. Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar attributed his team's two wins at home to their resilience on the court and their motivation for a tournament.

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Football: The big bad Lobos defeat San Diego State Aztecs

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 11

The University of New Mexico Lobos won 21-16 against the San Diego State University Aztecs on Friday, Nov. 8. The Lobos sandwiched a disappointing mid-quarter performance with an exciting beginning and end, ultimately securing the conference win. The Lobos are now 4-6 overall. They only need two more wins to be bowl-eligible this season. UNM led an explosive first quarter with two huge plays by running back Eli Sanders. Sanders had two rushing touchdowns of over 50-yards — one being a devastating 68 yards that left the Aztecs scrambling. Sanders finished the game with 16 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns — a testimony to the Lobos’ fiery offense.

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Women’s basketball: Lobos bounce back with a win against Morehead State

Maria Fernandez | November 11

The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team took on the Morehead State University Eagles at The Pit on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Lobos won 66-56. The Lobos were fresh off their 80-78 loss against Northern Arizona University on Nov. 4. They came back with improvements on rebounding and defense, Head Coach Mike Bradbury said. The Lobos ran a strong offense for most of the game, thwarting multiple layup attempts by Morehead State, but struggled to consistently put points on the scoreboard.

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Volleyball: Lobos beat Nevada, breaking losing streak

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 11

The University of New Mexico Lobos were starving for a win after nine consecutive volleyball losses, breaking their losing streak in four sets against the Nevada Wolf Pack on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 7. Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said the results proved the team’s grit. “This team has had a challenging past few weeks, but they have never backed down, and kept committed,” Newman-Gonchar said. “We can’t wait to do it again.”

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Men's basketball: Lobos tip the season off with an opening night win

Rodney Prunty | November 7

The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team tipped the season off against the Nicholls State University Colonels on Monday, Nov. 4. The reigning Mountain West champs came into the game looking to start the season off right. They did just that, beat the Colonels 91-84 to start off the season 1-0. It was obvious in the first half that the Lobos were a bit rusty to begin. They could barely shoot from the three-point line. The Lobos shot a horrendous 18.2% from three. With their three-point game off, the Lobos focused more on their inside game and let center Nelly Junior Joseph go to work down deep.