The Lobo men’s basketball team picked up consecutive wins over ranked opponents to close out the week before being voted into the AP Top 25 poll for the first time this season.
The New Mexico men’s basketball team continued their winning streak, securing their third straight victory with a convincing 85-66 win over Air Force. JT Toppin led the Lobos with an outstanding performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, making history as the first Lobo freshman with a 20-and-10 game against a Mountain West opponent. The team showcased depth, with five players reaching double figures in points. Coach Richard Pitino praised the team’s rebounding and defensive efforts, emphasizing the significance of a road win in conference play.
The Lobos, now 16-3 overall and 4-2 in the Mountain West, are set to face San Jose State in their next game, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory. The team’s recent success has earned them a spot in the national rankings, coming in at No. 25 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches polls.
Lobo Women upset UNLV
In a thrilling matchup, the UNM women’s basketball team secured a dramatic 69-66 victory against No. 25/23 UNLV. Viané Cumber’s three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left proved to be the game-winner, marking a significant win for the Lobos. The team held UNLV to their second-lowest point total of the season and handed them their first conference game loss in two seasons. Cumber led the Lobos with 22 points, including six three-pointers, showcasing her scoring prowess.
The Lobos, with a 13-6 record and 4-2 in the Mountain West, demonstrated resilience and composure in a game that featured lead changes and ties in the fourth quarter. The victory highlights the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
JT Toppin’s Outstanding Week:
UNM’s JT Toppin continues to shine, earning his sixth Mountain West Freshman of the Week honor. Toppin’s stellar performances against No. 16 Utah State and Air Force contributed significantly to the Lobos’ success. His 25-point, 13-rebound game against Air Force showcased his dominance and impact on the court. Toppin’s achievements make him the first player to win the Freshman of the Week honor six times in the first 11 weeks of the season.
Men’s Tennis
The Lobos also achieved success in tennis, with the men’s team securing a 7-0 shutout win over East Tennessee State in the Jack Kennedy Classic. The victory, which included wins in both doubles and singles matches, earned the Lobos the title on a tiebreaker.
As the basketball teams continue their impressive runs, and other sports achieve success, the University of New Mexico’s athletic programs showcase a winning spirit across various disciplines.