The University of New Mexico Lobos looked like they were ready to bounce back and snap a two-game losing streak. Instead, they fell 82-77 to the Fresno State Bulldogs in California on Saturday afternoon.
While the game started off with the teams going back and forth, the Lobos eventually pulled away and managed to lead by as many as 17 points during the first period.
Keith McGee broke his season high of three-pointers, previously three total against Nevada, by registering four during the first half. He eventually finished the game with six. McGee and Zane Martin led all scorers with 12 points each at the break as their team led 45-34. New Mexico, not a team focused on shooting threes, was hitting 50% of its shots from beyond the arc.
Fresno State was outshooting the Lobos 50%-46% from the field, but it was clear they needed to take better care of the ball as their 10 turnovers had allowed New Mexico nine points.
It was a promising first half for UNM but the Bulldogs came out to play harder in the second, shooting at 63.6%.
The home team cut the deficit to six points just a little over two minutes into the second period. New Mexico held strong and Keith McGee hit his fifth three-pointer of the day at the 13:46 mark to put the Lobos back to a double-digit lead.
With under 10 minutes remaining, New Mexico called a timeout as the Bulldogs had gone on an 8-0 run and made it a four-point game at 60-56. Fresno State didn’t lose focus. New Williams tied the game at 66-66 at the 6:23 mark.
Tied at 71 Fresno State’s Men’s Basketball team with a second half come back against New Mexico 🏀 pic.twitter.com/bqMEj0cvqY
— Bri Mellon (@BriABC30) February 1, 2020
The teams kept fighting for the lead and the game was tied 75-75 with 1:18 left. Williams hit a three, then Martin got a layup. Vante Hendrix had a chance to tie the game again but he missed a shot from the charity line. The last four points for the Bulldogs came from free-throws.
With Saturday’s result New Mexico dropped to 16-8, 5-6 Mountain West. Fresno State improved to 8-14, 4-7 MW.
Up next, the Lobos have a week off the court before they host the Wyoming Cowboys on Feb. 8 at 4pm MT.
- Walk-on Jordan Arroyo was a starter.
- Keith McGee registered a season high of six three-pointers.
- The Lobos attempted 28 shots from beyond the arc, the most they have attempted this season.
- Fresno State’s Orlando Robinson led all scores with 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
- New Mexico had three players get 18 points: Zane Martin, Corey Manigault and Keith McGee.
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