Adrian Doerfler - The Daily Lobo

Sports

From the Sports Gutter

Steven Fernandez and Adrian Doerfler | February 27

Welcome to another edition of "From the Sports Gutter." This week, the topic is NCAA basketball. Outstanding freshmen have helped make college basketball more exciting in the past couple years. Meanwhile, here in Albuquerque, the UNM men's basketball team has been on fire lately and is making a late-season push to the top of the Mountain West Conference and trying to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

UNM center fielder Matt Hibbitts practices at Lobo Field Tuesday. Hibbits was named to the 2008 Preseason All-Mountain West Conference Baseball Team last week.

Sports

Coach aims for heavy hitting

Adrian Doerfler | February 22

A new era of UNM baseball begins this season as first-year head coach Ray Birmingham tries to duplicate some of the success he had in the southern part of the state. Birmingham - who spent his last 18 seasons at New Mexico Junior College - replaces Rich Alday, who stepped down after 18 years at UNM.

Sports

Bill Belichick's success with Patriots echoes coaching success of Phil Jackson

Adrian Doerfler | January 30

There is no doubt the New England Patriots put together the greatest season in NFL history, and arguably any other sport, over the past six months. A new receiving core and a full season from a rejuvenated Junior Seau raised Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's team to a higher level than any team before it.

UNM guard Jamaal Smith dribbles past San Diego's Rob Jones during Saturday's 57-47 win at The Pit.

Sports

Lobos bounce back from losses

Adrian Doerfler | December 10

After losing back-to-back road games, the Lobos bounced back against San Diego on Saturday at The Pit.

UNM kicker John Sullivan walks off the field after kicking a game-winning field goal against Colorado State on Nov. 11 at University Stadium. Sullivan was named first-team Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American.

Sports

Kicker gets All-America honors

Adrian Doerfler | December 10

UNM senior kicker John Sullivan wrapped up his stellar season by earning first-team Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America honors.

Sports

BCS system pits best teams against one another and makes for great contests

Adrian Doerfler | December 5

It's hard to remember a college football season that has produced as many upsets as this year.

UNM guard Amy Beggin goes for the ball during Sunday's 58-42 loss against NMSU in Las Cruces. Beggin sustained a concussion during the second half of the game.

Sports

Cold shooting ices UNM against Aggies

Adrian Doerfler | December 3

LAS CRUCES - The UNM women's basketball team was plagued by turnovers and poor shooting in Saturday's 58-42 loss to NMSU. It is the first loss for the Lobos in the series in 11 seasons.

UNM's Jamaal Smith dribbles past a Southern Utah defender during Wednesday's game at The Pit. The Lobos won 57-48.

Sports

Senior uses speed, not height, to win

Adrian Doerfler | November 30

Every time the UNM basketball team finds itself on a fast break, senior guard Jamaal Smith is always a part of it. Whether he starts it or ends it, he's always there. Smith is the Lobos' fastest player this season and has been a huge part of the team's 7-0 start.

UNM's Chad Toppert takes the ball inside for a layup during Wednesday's game against Hawaii at The Pit. The Lobos won 89-60.

Sports

3-pointers fly when Lobo hits the court

Adrian Doerfler | November 26

When opposing teams watch game film on the UNM basketball team, there's one thing they will learn quickly: Don't play too much zone defense. The Lobos have come out the gate like a racehorse, in part because of their effectiveness from beyond the 3-point line.

UNM punt returner Frankie Solomon gets tackled by UNLV linebacker Jason Beauchamp during Saturday's 27-6 win at University Stadium.

Sports

Lobos win last regular season game

Adrian Doerfler | November 26

The UNM football team went into Saturday's game needing a win to improve its bowl hopes. Thanks to a strong defense and a few big plays on offense, the Lobos boosted their bowl resume with a 27-6 win.