Lobos Journey to New Mexico State for Saturday’s Rio Grande Rivalry Matchup – New Mexico Lobos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – The New Mexico men’s basketball team begins a three-game road trip on Saturday night when it visits New Mexico State for this year’s edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry. Game time at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces is 7:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and will air on Lobo Radio Network.

The Lobos (3-0) have opened a season with three home victories, all by double-digits. In Tuesday’s 82-68 victory over UC Riverside, six Lobos scored in double figures, led by Chris Howell, who tied a career high with 15 points. Overall, seven Lobos are averaging at least 8.0 points per game this season, led by freshman Jake Hall at 12.3 ppg.  

New Mexico State is 2-0 this season with a pair of home wins over Division II schools, Adams State and New Mexico Highlands. The Aggies are led by Jemel Jones, who is averaging 23.5 points per game.

New Mexico leads the all-time Rio Grande Rivalry series 125-104, as the 229 meetings and 125 wins are the Lobos’ most against any opponent. The Aggies hold a 61-49 edge in Las Cruces, including a 30-24 advantage at the Pan American Center. UNM has won the last three meetings in Las Cruces, including 73-72 two years ago.

The Lobos’ will travel to Kansas City next week for the Hall of Fame Classic. On Thursday, New Mexico will meet Nebraska in the tournament’s first semifinal (6 pm CT/5 pm MT), with Kansas State and Mississippi State meeting in the second semifinal at T-Mobile Center. Thursday’s winners will meet in Friday’s championship game (8:30 pm CT/7:30 pm MT), following the consolation game (6 pm CT/5 pm MT). All games of the tournament will be broadcast on Peacock and the Lobo Radio Network.