Howling With The Lobos: Back On Track

It wasn’t pretty, but the New Mexico Lobos are finally off the schneid having ended their three-game losing streak in front of 10,082 fans. Makuach Maluach poured in 22 points off the bench, and Anthony Mathis hit three-point baskets on back to back possessions to help the New Mexico Lobos pull away from the Central Arkansas Bears 82-70 on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams struggled shooting early on, and the game was close for much of the first half. The Lobos used an 8-2 spurt near the end of the first half to grab a 40-32 half time lead. Mathis had four of the eight points in the run, as he knocked down a three and made a free throw later on.

The second half was close throughout as well. Lobo newcomer Carlton Bragg saw his first action as a Lobo and came through big in the second half, scoring 12 of his 16 points in the second stanza. Bragg also added seven rebounds in his debut.

The Bears didn’t go away quietly, though; with 3:42 to play Eddy Kayouloud hit a three pointer that brought Central Arkansas back to within 72-66. Anthony Mathis then hit a three on back to back Lobo possessions, sandwiched around a Hayden Koval layup for the Bears, to put the game out of reach at 78-68 with 2:43 to go.

The win gives the Lobos a record of 5-4 on the season, while the Bears of Central Arkansas fall to 4-6.

The Lobos will be back in action on Tuesday as North Texas will visit The Pit. The Mean Green will come into the contest boasting a 10-1 record, their only loss coming on the road at Oklahoma by a final of 73-57. The notable win on their schedule so far is an 80-69 win at Indiana State.