An Eye On The Lobos: vs. New Mexico State Preview

The rivalry between New Mexico State and New Mexico renews Saturday evening in The Pit. The Battle for I-25 will get underway at 4 p.m. Mountain Time, and you can catch the game on AT&T Sportsnet and on the Lobo Radio Network.

The Lobos welcome in the Aggies, who sit at 2-1 on the season. Last time out the Aggies were hammered 73-58 by St. Mary’s (CA) down in Las Cruces on Wednesday night. The Aggies have beaten UTEP and North Dakota State, and Saturday will be their first road game on the season.

The Lobos need to focus on guard A.J. Harris of the Aggies. Harris scored 17 against St. Mary’s, and dishes the rock around well. The Aggies are deep, and will rotate at least 10 players throughout the game. The Lobos will have their hands full defensively.

The Lobos come into the game 2-0. Last time out the Lobos pulled away late from Iona to win 90-83. Vance Jackson broke out with 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Lobos. Corey Manigault also had 18 points in the win. The Lobos committed 20 turnovers, which in games under Paul Weir in which they have turned it over 20 or more times they are 4-0 in those games.

After scoring 87 and 90 points in their first two games, the Lobos know they won’t have any shortage of offense, it’s the defense that still has question marks. After allowing 44 points in the paint in the opener against Cal State-Northridge, the Lobos held Iona to just 26 points in the paint last game. The Lobos are missing their size so far in the early season.

Last year these two teams split their games, with the home team winning each time. The Lobos have struggled defensively in their first two games, and might in this game as well. The up tempo offense will work well to their benefit. If the Lobos don’t turn it over as much, get some key three pointers from Dane Kuiper and Anthony Mathis, and another big game from Vance Jackson, then there is a good chance that the Lobos move to 3-0 on Saturday.