Washington only made it to the tournament by winning the Pac-10 tournament and then upset Marquette in round one by two points. New Mexico was not immune as they played a closer then expected game against Montana. On the surface New Mexico should run away with this game since Washington is an eleven seed and the Pac-10 was down this year. However, 25 wins is nothing to sneeze at which is what the Huskies accomplished this year, plus the Lobos tend to play to the level of the competition -- good or bad.
The difference could be that Washington was not good away from home as they went only 6-6, where as New Mexico went 11-2. Also, New Mexico has been tested more and is 5-0 against top 25 teams while Washington went 1-1.
The Lobos have the freakish athlete Darrington Hobson and senior Ramon Martinez to lead the way for New Mexico. Both are capable of putting up big numbers. Washington has Quincy Ponder who can shoot the rock very, very well at 53 percent from the field and 80 plus from the line. He averages just under 20, but has had performances of 4 games over 30 and eleven over 25. He is the key player to watch for Washington.
New Mexico fans should be worried and have that brown paper bag near by since the Lobos will play this game and any more in the tournament in a close game. New Mexico should get by the Huskies and advance to the Sweet 16.
UPDATE: Darrington Hobson has a sore left wrist.
Rank and Records
WASH
NM
RPI
#40
#10
Strength of Schedule
#74
#87
Overall
25-9
30-4
Conference
11-7
14-2
Home
18-2
19-2
Away
6-6
11-2
Top 25
1-1
5-0
RPI Top 50
4-3
8-3