Sports - The Daily Lobo

Sports

Lobos are bowling in Phoenix, hope to have fans cheer them on

Rodney Prunty | December 17

The University of New Mexico Lobos football team will be headed to Phoenix, Arizona to face off against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Rate Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26. This will be the team's first bowl game since 2016, and the first time they travel out of state for a bowl game since 2004, when they faced the Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy in the Emerald Bowl. Head Coach Jason Eck is the only first-year head coach to make a bowl game in Lobo history, and has also led a push to increase Lobo football attendance, consistently challenging fans to come out to games, leading to a 51.2% increase in average attendance since last season. Eck is asking fans to show up once again, stating in a video on social media that the team needs “10 thousand Lobos there” to cheer them on.

Sports

Lobos unleashed at the Pit, send Broncos back to Santa Clara

Alex Joe | December 8

The Lobos came into the contest on a wave of momentum after vanquishing New Mexico Highlands University, which they looked to build upon against a talented Santa Clara University team on Saturday, Dec. 6 at The Pit. They secured a decisive performance in a 98-71 home victory. The Lobos started out with an aggressive approach, as forward Tomislav Buljan was fouled twice in the first two minutes of the game, leading to four free throws. The defense forced four quick turnovers, giving the Lobos an early 11-6 lead. Tomislav Buljan finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.

Sports

Daniel Hughes, a punter from the land down under

Elizabeth Bolke | December 8

University of New Mexico punter Daniel Hughes has become one of the main faces of the program through his social media platforms and his unique journey. Coming to the United States from Australia last season to play football at City College of San Francisco, he’s since moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue his career for the Lobos. Hughes was one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which honors the best punter in college football, presented by the Augusta Sports Council. Hughes is the third Lobo punter to become a semifinalist for the award. Some highlights from Hughes’ 2025 season include a 51-yard punt to the one-yard line against Utah State, which set up a safety, and a 36-yard punt to the two-yard line against UNLV that helped secure a win.

Sports

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week

Marley Herndon | December 7

When there’s a winner there’s a loser. Sometimes a player can do everything in their power to win a game and still lose. Just as often, a player’s performance can cost their team the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. Minnesota Vikings: quarterback Max Brosmer After the recent poor performances from J.J. McCarthy and his recent concussion, it was going to take a lot for fans in Minnesota to be excited for McCarthy to return. Unfortunately, that resulted in giving undrafted rookie Max Brosmer his first NFL start.

Sports

Eck signs extension, Lobo fans give high praise

Rodney Prunty | December 5

On Sunday, Nov. 30, the University of New Mexico announced that football Head Coach Jason Eck signed a new five-year deal that will keep him under contract through 2030. The deal includes $400,000 in guaranteed base pay, $575,000 for media participation and another $575,000 for program promotion, totaling $1.55 million for the first year of the contract and increasing $100,000 each following year. The deal also adds incentives for total wins, wins over Power 4 schools and ranked opponents, along with increasing incentives tied to conference championship wins and appearances.

Sports

Lobos buck Cowboys back to the highlands

Wyatt S. Padilla | December 4

After last week’s turkey trot race in The Pit, the University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team found itself in a more comfortable game against their northern New Mexican cousin, the New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys. The Lobos would take care of business and walk out having more than doubled NMHU’s total scoring, winning 97-47 on Monday, Dec. 1.

Sports

Lobo men’s basketball mounts 15-point comeback against Hornets

Wyatt S. Padilla | December 1

Thanksgiving may have been on the mind for the rest of New Mexico, but on the eve of Turkey Day, the University of New Mexico Men’s basketball team had one more thing on its plate as the Lobos faced the Alabama State University Hornets. On Wednesday, Nov. 26, the Lobos overcame the odds and won a 93-87 victory, recovering from a 15-point deficit near the end of the first half. UNM has faced Alabama State in two previous matchups in The Pit, with the Lobos beating the Hornets on both occasions. The last matchup between the two was in 1999 at the Lobo Invitational, with UNM beating Alabama State 68-47.

Sports

Lobos win overtime thriller over San Diego State Aztecs

Edge Garcia | December 1

With an opportunity to advance to their first Mountain West title game in school history, the University of New Mexico Lobos had their largest November home crowd since 2008, with over 30,000 fans in attendance — a game they won’t forget. On Friday, Nov. 28, UNM pulled off a 23-17 win over the San Diego State University Aztecs to advance to 9-3 overall, and 6-2 in conference play. From explosive touchdowns, turnovers and big defensive stops, the game had a little bit of everything in it.

Sports

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week

Marley Herndon | November 30

When there’s a winner there’s a loser. Sometimes a player can do everything in their power to win a game and still lose. Just as often, a player’s performance can cost their team the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. Baltimore Ravens: quarterback Lamar Jackson It's rare for a player of Jackson’s caliber to end up as a bobblehead, but it doesn't matter how many MVPs you’ve won if you play like he did on Thursday, Nov. 27.

Sports

Red Raiders run Lobos out of The Pit

Wyatt S. Padilla | November 24

In a clash of titans, the University of New Mexico Lobos and Texas Tech University Red Raiders met in The Pit on Sunday, Nov. 23, with the Raiders ultimately defeating the Lobos 82-57. The game featured a strong Lobo team — who have been blowing out opponents by an average of 26 points over the last four games, outrebounding opponents by double digits, and have held their last two opponents, including New Mexico State University, to only 45 points — against the Big 12 leader, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders had started the season 6-0, defeated power conference teams Mississippi State University, Southern Methodist University and University of Arkansas, outscoring opponents by a margin of 25 points, barely outrebounding opponents and demonstrating grit to the end of each possession. It’s fair to say the match was greatly anticipated.

Sports

Lobos advance to 8-3 behind dominant defensive performance

Edge Garcia | November 24

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the University of New Mexico Lobos football team triumphed against the Air Force Academy Falcons, winning the game 20-3, and sealing the first victory at Falcon Stadium in 25 years. Lobo quarterback Jack Layne and the offense started the night off with a nine-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by Layne’s 12-yard scramble for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. Then, UNM sophomore defensive tackle Jalen McIver and senior safety Caleb Coleman combined for a second down sack that led to a third-and-15 on Air Force’s opening drive, which ultimately resulted in an opening drive punt for the Falcons. Offensive success continued for the Lobos with senior running back Damon Bankston getting involved through the air, as he had three catches for 27 yards in the first quarter alone.

Sports

Opportunity awaits as Lobos officially introduce Karley Nelson as new soccer Head Coach

Alex Joe | November 24

It’s a new era in University of New Mexico soccer as the Lobos soccer team introduced their new Head Coach Karley Nelson at the University’s fall coaches press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Nelson was elevated to be the team's fifth head coach after serving 11 years as an assistant and associate head coach at UNM. She officially takes over for longtime head coach Heather Dyche, who is resigning to take a new position as the coach of the Under-23 U.S. Women’s National Team. Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo said UNM looked for a coach that met championship level standards, supported student athletes and their community and had integrity.

Sports

Lobo women’s basketball wins comfortably against UT Martin

Rodney Prunty | November 22

The University of New Mexico Lobos women’s basketball team was able to ease to a 77-45 victory on Thursday, Nov. 20, against the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks. With the win, the Lobos now move to 5-1 on the season, a significant jump from the 3-3 record the team started with last season. Lobo guard Alyssa Hargrove spoke on the difference between this year’s team compared to last year’s team. “I definitely feel like with this team we can play a lot faster, I feel we have more options to get it up to so that’s been a big difference for me handling the ball,” Hargrove said. “Our defense as well, pressing the whole game is new for us so I think it’s a good adjustment, seeing how we're working through it has been good.”

Sports

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week

Marley Herndon | November 22

When there’s a winner there’s a loser. Sometimes a player can do everything in their power to win a game and still lose, just as often a player’s performance can cost their team the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. Seattle Seahawks: quarterback Sam Darnold At the end of the 2024 season, a major talking point was how much money Sam Darnold had played himself out of. He had been an incredible quarterback all year long; throughout the regular season, he had 35 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions and threw for over 4,300 yards.

Sports

Lobo mens basketball falls to New Mexico State

John P. Hefti | November 19

The University of New Mexico Lobos men's basketball team took a trip south to Las Cruces on Saturday, Nov. 15, where they came up short against their state rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, losing 76-68. The Aggies struck first during the Rio Grande Rivalry matchup, with New Mexico State guard Anthony Wrzeszcz sinking a three-point shot from the corner to thrill the home crowd.

Sports

Lobo women’s basketball continues to own the Rio Grande

Wyatt S. Padilla | November 17

On Sunday, Nov. 16, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team was out for revenge in Las Cruces looking to take down the New Mexico State Aggies, who swept the Lobos last year. The Aggies led the rivalry in the last five games 3-2, but throughout his tenure, Lobos Head Coach Mike Bradbury dominated the Aggies 11-4. This game followed suit, snapping NMSU’s win streak of two, with a Lobo triumph of 77-45. The Lobos showed how deep their bench can get, as it accounted for 36 points, with 10 of the Lobos getting a bucket in their dominant performance over the Aggies. Sophomore guard Nayli Padilla came off the bench as the leading scorer for UNM with 14 points, going four of five from three, and grabbing six boards in 25 minutes. The Lobos, for the second time in a row, outrebounded their opponent by a double-digit margin, 43-31.

Sports

Lobos find a way, defeating Rams 20-17

Rodney Prunty | November 17

Since 2010, the University of New Mexico Lobos football team has lost every match up with the Colorado State University Rams. That all changed on Saturday, Nov. 15, when the Lobos took down Colorado State 20-17 at University Stadium. This win not only brings about the end of the 13 game losing streak against CSU, but also marks the first winning season for UNM since 2016. It wasn’t the prettiest game for the Lobo offense, fumbling the ball away four times. Turnovers were not the offense’s only issue, as they underperformed on third down, converting five of 14 on the game. Lobo quarterback Jack Layne touched on the offensive struggles after the game.

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week

Alex Joe | November 14

There are winners and there are losers. Not every loser is the same, as these players' performances were key in costing their teams this week. These players are favorably known as bobbleheads. “You can’t win ‘em all” is a phrase these pro sports players definitely had to hear after some terrible performances this week. Here are the players whose play this week earned them the title of bobblehead. Pittsburgh Steelers: quarterback Aaron Rodgers There were a few players to pick from NFL week 10, but ultimately, the future hall-of-famer gets the nod for a bizarre performance on Sunday night football.

Sports

Lobos end home-stand with a win over UC Riverside

Marley Herndon | November 14

The University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team ended their first homestand of the season with a win over the University of California, Riverside Highlanders. The Lobos capped off the opening homestand with a win, and move to 3-0 on the season. UNM won 82-68 after a second-half explosion. The game began in a peculiar way, with UC Riverside forward BJ Kolly committing a foul and turning the opening tip-off into a Lobo inbound. This set the tone for how physical this game would be, as the Highlanders committed 10 fouls in the first half.

Sports

Lobos bench leads to victory over New Orleans

Wyatt S. Padilla | November 14

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the University of New Mexico’s women’s basketball team was playing to a crowd that included field trippers from metro area schools, and the Lobos were putting on a lesson of offensive firepower against the University of New Orleans Privateers. This lesson included appearances from every single Lobo player, with Destinee Hooks leading UNM with 18 points over their 99-65 blowout win over the Privateers. Hooks put on a show for the young crowd, as she had 18 points, shooting 58% on the night, grabbing four rebounds and one block. Coming off the bench, Nayli Padilla tied her career high of 15 points, which she hit just three days prior against North Carolina A&T. Padilla is proving herself to be a key offensive threat for the Lobos off the bench.