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New Mexico Defeats Cal State Northridge, 97-70

The Lobos won comfortably against the Matadors

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New Mexico put away Cal State Northridge early behind a solid offensive output

In the return home and home game against Cal State Northridge, New Mexico didn’t need a last second three to win the game as happened a year ago.

Notably, Lamine Diane, the sensational 6’7″ forward from Senegal who scored 34 the last time out against New Mexico, did not suit up for the game.

Instead, a variety of other Matadors attempted to replace the All-American type numbers that Diane is capable of putting up, coming well short of what was needed to win the game.

Despite a so-so first half defensively, the Lobos notched up their defensive presence by the second half, and the offense was never an issue throughout the game, finishing 60% from the floor. 22 of New Mexico’s 36 made field goals came off of assists, highlighted by Zane Martin and JaQuan Lyle‘s team high five assists.

13 Lobos played, and 9 scored, including the freshman from NBA Academy Africa, Kurt-Curry Wegscheider.

Five Lobos finished in double figures, led by JaQuan Lyle‘s 18 points (and James Harden style step back three).

Corey Manigault and Carlton Bragg each chipped in 17 points apiece, while Zane Martin and Keith McGee added 13 and 10 points respectively. Junior guard/forward Makuach Maluach led the team with 8 rebounds.

Notably, New Mexico took care of the ball much better than in its prior contest, turning the ball over 12 times, a drastic improvement from the 21 turnovers against Division II Eastern New Mexico. They also out rebounded Cal State Northridge 36-30.

Highlights: 

Stat Stuffers: New Mexico – JaQuan Lyle (18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds) ; Cal State Northridge – Darius Brown II (9 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds)

Next up: New Mexico will host Green Bay in the third game of a four home-game stretch on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Cal State Northridge will play its first home game in hopes of securing its first win against Pepperdine on Tuesday, Nov. 12.