Austin Bishop - The Daily Lobo

Sports

Historic night in Las Vegas: Lobo men’s basketball blows out Rebels

Austin Bishop | January 30

The University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team walked into Las Vegas and dismantled their Mountain West rival, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 89-61. This marks the largest UNM victory over the Rebels in the history of the rivalry and rounded off one of UNM’s most complete performances this season, with the Lobos controlling the game from start to finish. UNM set the tone immediately, starting the game on a 4-0 run and forcing UNLV to use an early timeout. With the Lobos playing exceptional defense, UNLV could not keep the pace offensively as UNM grew their advantage, leading the first half strong.

Sports

Lobo men’s basketball pushes San Diego State to the brink in narrow defeat

Austin Bishop | January 20

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.

Opinion

OPINION: Kyle Lowry’s case for the Hall of Fame

Austin Bishop | December 9

Hall of Fame greatness comes in many forms, and Kyle Lowry’s story is one of metamorphosis. He transformed an overlooked city into a championship contender, becoming the heartbeat of the Toronto Raptors. During that period, Lowry averaged 18 points per game while anchoring the team as a leader. Lowry’s combination of championship success and sustained excellence, with the ability to elevate those around him, makes him a compelling case to belong among basketball’s all-time greats, and is a future Hall of Fame candidate.

Sports

Lobos sweep Nevada in Pink Game

Austin Bishop | November 3

The University of New Mexico Lobos volleyball team painted the court pink and kept energy high on Wednesday, Oct. 29, sweeping the University of Nevada Wolf Pack 3-0 in the annual Pink Game match. The Lobos dominated the first two sets before narrowly coming away with a win against Nevada in a tighter third set. In the first set, the Lobos started off strong with a four-point lead, causing Nevada to stay on their heels. The Wolf Pack attempted to fight back, however the Lobos continued increasing the momentum in their favor. The first set concluded quickly, with the Lobos winning 25-14.

Sports

Lobo volleyball show resilience in loss to Wyoming

Austin Bishop | October 6

The Lobos, still finding their rhythm after some difficult conference matchups, were outmatched in a 3-1 loss. In a match charged with energy from the first serve, the University of New Mexico women’s volleyball team met the University of Wyoming Cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 4. Set one started off strong for the Lobos with setter Madeleine Miller earning the Lobos an ace for the first point. The Lobos went on a five point run from there, setting an early, hopeful tone. Leading the offensive push, setter Addison France totaled four kills in the first set, forcing the Cowgirls to adjust to her attacks. The Lobos surged in the beginning of the first set, but as it progressed, the Cowgirls matched UNM’s energy, turning the set into a back and forth rally. Even with Wyoming pushing back, the Lobos refused to give up the advantage, staying in the lead the whole frame. The first set closed out with the Lobos winning 25-19.

Sports

Former Lobo Jacory Croskey-Merritt takes on the NFL

Austin Bishop | September 8

In New Mexico, Jacory Croskey-Merritt turned critics into believers. That same grit is fueling his NFL dream with the Washington Commanders. A rookie running back some believe will make noise this season, Croskey-Merritt is coming off a breakout season in 2023 at the University of New Mexico, where he rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns in his only season with the Lobos. Croskey-Merritt became the first Lobo to rush over 200 yards in back-to-back games, cementing his legacy. “The thing that stood out was he was a violent runner, an explosive runner, and his efforts were extreme,” then Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Bryant Vincent told Fox Sports.

Sports

Lobo volleyball sweeps invitational, starts season 3-0

Austin Bishop | September 1

The Lobos won their first match of the Lobo Invitational, sweeping the Manhattan Jaspers in three sets. The Lobos faced Northern Arizona University next in the invitational, where it came down to the wire. The final match against Houston Christian University, ending with another three-set sweep from the Lobos. The invitational took place at Johnson Gym, Aug. 29-30. In the first set versus NAU, the Lobos went back and forth competitively, with a tough start to the first set which tied 16-16. NAU then began to pull away, ultimately concluding the first set 25-17.

Sports

Lobo Volleyball wins exhibition match vs New Mexico Highlands

Austin Bishop | August 25

The University of New Mexico’s Lobo Women’s Volleyball went against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls in an exhibition match on Saturday, Aug. 23, marking their first match of the season. The exhibition hit off with a bang, with the first point of the match being a kill by outside hitter Naomi Chankoumi. The Lobos kept up the pressure, serving strong and sharp. Setter and outside hitter Addison France made the second kill in the first set leading 2-0. There was not much fight from New Mexico Highlands in the first set, but the Cowgirls began to pick up as the last set was closing. Even though the Lobos were ahead, they did not slow down. The Lobos closed out the first set with a massive total of twelve kills, quickly leading the Lobos to a 25-7 victory.

Opinion

OPINION: Will James Harden be a Hall of Famer?

Austin Bishop | August 25

When basketball fans talk about three point shooters, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Larry Bird usually dominate the conversation. However, over a sixteen year career, James Harden has proven that he belongs in the conversation with the best. Even though his stats are impressive, Harden has no ring and several playoff disappointments, a challenge to his Hall of Famer candidacy. The numbers don’t lie, James Harden is number 14 as an all-time scoring leader, 2018 MVP, 11- time all star and six-time NBA First Team. Harden in recent memory has led his team to multiple playoff runs and even carried his teams numerous times.

Sports

OPINION: Is Tony Romo a Hall-of-Famer?

Austin Bishop | May 19

Say what you want about Tony Romo, but it's undeniable Tony Romo is a Hall of Famer. Once you look into his tape, statistics and impact on the National Football League, it’s easy to say he’s possibly one of the most overlooked candidates of his generation. Ask an average football fan if Tony Romo belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they will probably tell you that “He choked in the playoffs” or some other negatives. The bigger picture is that Romo is one of the most creative and intelligent quarterbacks of the modern era and for that he deserves Hall of Fame consideration.