The New Mexico Lobos are set to face the No. 23 Saint Mary’s Gaels in a nonconference contest, aiming to replicate their success from the previous season when they halted the Gaels’ 23-game home winning streak. In last year’s matchup, the Lobos secured a 69-65 victory, marking part of their impressive 14-0 start that briefly landed them in the Top 25 rankings.
New Mexico comes into the rematch after a convincing 92-55 win over Texas Southern in their season opener. Jamal Mashburn Jr. led the Lobos with 15 points, and Donovan Dent contributed 12. Eleven players scored at least four points, showcasing a balanced scoring attack. The Lobos displayed strong defense, limiting Texas Southern to 29.4 percent field-goal shooting.
On the other hand, Saint Mary’s kicked off their season with a dominant 107-28 victory against Division II Stanislaus State. The Gaels established a 50-11 halftime lead and maintained their dominance throughout the game, emphasizing their impressive scoring capabilities and rebounding strength.
While it’s challenging to gauge the true potential of Saint Mary’s based on such a lopsided victory, they have a deep, experienced roster that many believe could make a significant impact in the upcoming season. Their goal remains to perform at their best in every game, and they have a seasoned squad that has the potential to make a run deep into the NCAA Tournament.
The rematch between New Mexico and Saint Mary’s promises to be an intriguing battle as both teams seek to assert their dominance in the early stages of the season.
