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When the New Mexico Lobos opened their conference season off on New Year's Eve with a 12-point win against Fresno State it looked like Lobos would be the better team in 2015, but something happened within the last few months that not many people expected. The Lobos have completely collapsed and are fighting with Nevada and Air Force for the last three seeds in next month's MWC tournament.
The Bulldogs on the other hand have been impressive this year beating four of the conference's top teams this year. Fresno State has wins over San Diego State, Boise State, Utah State and Wyoming something that Lobo fans wish their team had done this year. The Bulldogs currently hold the sixth seed in the tournament two games behind third place Colorado State. With three games remaining FSU is playing for seeding, the Lobos on the other had are just trying to avoid finishing the season sub .500.
Saturday night's game for the Lobos will be all about execution which has been Craig Neal's biggest compliant about his team. On Wednesday he said he would shake up the starting lineup for this game and while he has not released what the changes are Sam Logwood and Hugh Greenwood have been the only starters that have played constant over the last month. Look for freshman Joe Furstinger and Xavier Adams to get more playing time the rest of the season
On the defensive end the Lobos must contend with Marvell Harris and Cezar Guerrero who are good outside shooters. The Lobos have been susceptible to outside shooting this year and allowed Boise State's Nick Duncan to torch them for 26 points. New Mexico often shows that they on the ball handler at the wrong time leaving the outside shooter wide open, and that is not something that can be changed overnight so look for one of the two Bulldog guards to have a big night.
If the Lobos plan to win tonight they must find their offensive rhythm and it starts with Deshawn Delaney. He has been inconstant this season but has the ability to take over games. Look for the Lobos to get out of Fresno with a win tonight but if they do not it is possible this team will not win another game this year.