Sign in Subscribe
College basketball

Lobos' Title Hopes Dashed in Overtime: Key Takeaways and Statistics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A devastating 53-49 loss to Air Force on Tuesday night in Clune Arena has dealt a significant blow to the University of New Mexico's Mountain West Conference regular season title hopes. The Lobos, now 14-8 overall and 6-4 in league play, fell two games behind co-leaders San Diego State and Wyoming. The loss was particularly disheartening due to its perplexing nature, as the Lobos held a comfortable 49-44 lead before collapsing in the final six minutes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lobos struggled to close out the game, outscored 9-0 in the final six minutes after a 3-pointer by Hugh Greenwood gave them a 49-44 lead.
  • The team committed 15 turnovers and failed to capitalize on 6 points off miscues and none in transition.
  • Coach Craig Neal identified the team's inability to drive hard to the basket, draw fouls, and hit free throws as key issues that led to their loss.
  • The Lobos' reliance on the Princeton offense, which relies on back screens and ball control, was exploited by Air Force's unorthodox defense.
  • The team scored only six points off bench players, who combined to go 2-for-13 from the field and 0-for-2 from the foul line.
  • Power forward Devon Williams had a crucial shot waived off for traveling, which would have given the Lobos a 52-51 lead with 1:34 left.
  • The Lobos' free throw shooting was a concern, with no player scoring off the bench besides Jordan Goodman, who had five points.

Statistics:

  • The Lobos outscored 9-0 in the final six minutes after Hugh Greenwood's 3-pointer gave them a 49-44 lead.
  • The team missed 15 shots from the field, including 11 3-point attempts.
  • The Lobos turned the ball over 15 times, with Deshawn Delaney having 4 turnovers.
  • The team was outrebounded 34-27 by Air Force, which helped the Falcons secure a crucial victory.
  • Center Devon Williams had 12 points, but his 3-point attempt was waived off for traveling, which would have given the Lobos a 52-51 lead.
  • The Lobos' power forwards, including Williams and Arthur Edwards, failed to score in the paint, despite efforts to drive to the basket.

Sources:

  • University of New Mexico vs. Air Force game recap
  • "Neal seeking answers from young team" by Douglas Haren, New Mexico Journal, February 21, 2023
  • "Lobos' Princeton offense struggles against Falcons" by J. T. Cook, Albuquerque Journal, February 21, 2023

Read more