Just two weeks after the All-Star break, the 2026 Major League Baseball season has been unpredictable, especially in the National League West. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have dominated much of the conversation, but the Arizona Diamondbacks have quietly positioned themselves as a legitimate threat to both teams.
Spain may be the reigning European champions, but international football is not decided on paper. Argentina has built its recent legacy by defeating the world’s best teams on the biggest stages, proving that experience can overcome any opponent. On Sunday, July 19, the two giants of international football will meet in the World Cup Final, with Spain’s technical dominance facing an Argentina side that has already mastered the pressure of championship moments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Solutions by The State News
