Senior Anthony Mathis didn’t score at all during the first half, but he finished the night leading the Lobos with 17 points. Scott Forman/The Lobo Lair
Isabel Gonzalez
@cisabelg
New Mexico opened the year with a win and a 1-0 Mountain West record after defeating the Air Force Falcons on the road 65-58 on Wednesday night.
At halftime, the Lobos held a 38-29 lead, then were up 13 points with 13:20 remaining. However, it was a three-point game with one minute left. Senior guard Anthony Mathis came up big for the Lobos as he made two free throws, a steal and then two more free throws to pull away from the home team.
Mathis attempted only two three-pointers during the first half, but he didn’t score any points. His performance changed completely during the second period and he finished the night leading the Lobos with 17 points.
After being held quiet in the first half, Mathis has scored the last 13 Lobo points! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/4sp9TbPIw7
— Lobo Basketball (@UNMLoboMBB) January 3, 2019
However, the top scorer of the night was Air Force’s Scottie Lavelle with 20 points. Lavelle took 20 shots during the first half as he continued to get in the middle of the New Mexico zone. The Lobos defended him better in the second period as he only took seven shots.
Team Highs (box score)
New Mexico
Points: Anthony Mathis – 17
Rebounds: Carlton Bragg – 9
Assits: Anthony Mathis – 3
Air Force
Points: Scottie Lavelle – 20
Rebounds: Ryan Swan – 11 (he got a double double with 14pts)
Assists: Sid Tomes – 5
The Lobos had 53 attempts and shot at 43.4 percent from the field throughout the night. Not impressive, but the Falcons had 63 attempts and only had a 38.1 percent accuracy.
With Wednesday’s result, New Mexico returns to a winning overall record at 7-6. The Lobos have been performing their best on the road as they are 4-1 during away games.
Up next, the cherry & sliver team hosts the No. 6 team in the nation, the Nevada Wolf Pack. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 6pm.
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