Rams Take Lobos to the Wire at The Pit, Fall 68-61

Phillip McDonald scored a career and game high 27 points to keep the Lobos from consecutive losses to start conference play.  The Lobos sealed the game with a late three pointer and then sinking their free throws once the Rams were forced to foul.  Down ten at half the Rams slowly crawled their way back within one point with less then a minute remaining.  Free throws were the falling point for the Rams as they shot a poor 56% as a team.

Catch more after The Jump...

The Rams were out shot in every category, out rebounded by 15, all while Andy Ogide had his worst game of the year with just ten points and five rebounds. Dorian Green led the Rams with 20 points and a couple big shots late, however those came with a big turnover late also. How the Rams kept it close is a little confusing when you look at the box score. 

The Rams defense was very good for most of the game.  Dairese Gary was shutout on the scoreboard and managed just one rebound and four assists in 34 minutes of play.  This was a good effort showing but poor results showing for the Rams on the stat sheet.  Hopefully The Pit had something to do with the poor shooting and the Rams are actually capable of beating someone on the road this year.

New Mexico should be happy to get the win and avoid the 0-2 conference start.  Even with Gary taking up 34 absent minutes the Lobos got help from McDonald, Drew Gordon, and Kendall Williams all who scored in double figures. 

The Lobos looked to be in control throughout the first half and the CSU comeback was slow so I wouldn't be to alarmed as a Lobo fan.  New Mexico hit the big shots at the end and were 80% from the free throw line.  The Lobos were a bit sloppy with 15 turnovers, which is the only reason they never could put away the Rams.

Next up the Lobos will host #6 San Diego State on Saturday.  Besides playing BYU this could be the Aztecs biggest chance at losing, The Pit is never an easy win.

The Rams host TCU on the 15th and hope to get back to their winning ways.  The Rams played hard on the road, just needed a couple more shots to fall.