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Colorado Comes Back to Beat New Mexico 78-75
New Mexico’s late run comes up short
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The Lobos have lost three straight
New Mexico (4-4) fell short to Colorado (8-1) 78-75 at home in front of a crowd of 10,800 at Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit. The Lobos, which led for more than 32 minutes, lost control of the game late in the second half when the tempo changed to more of a half-court style of play.
Once again, rebounding was an issue as New Mexico was out-rebounded 51-38. They were also out-shot at the free throw line 21-7, and lost the fast break game 33-16.
The Lobos led by as many as 17 in the first half on successful pressure defense, ending the half with 13 forced turnovers. But in a game of runs, the Buffaloes were able to cut the lead to just 32-29 with 2:50 remaining in the first half. The Buffaloes’ run was followed by an 11-0 run by the Lobos, pushing the lead back to 12 with 1:12 to go in the first half. But a last second, long-distance three-pointer from Deleon Brown (8 points, 1 assist) at the end of the half would cut the lead back to single digits.
At the start of the second half, the Lobos’ offense continued clicking, going up by as many as 14 points, but a solid start would soon be followed by several minutes of stagnant offense and sub-par defense (only one forced turnover in the second half). When the ball stopped moving, the transition game slowed, and players tried to force shots in a one-on-one styles offense, the Lobos were unable to make shots, enduring a drought of five minutes and ten seconds without a basket in the second half.
Despite the lackluster stretch, they were able to stay in the game. Down 74-69 with 0:54 left, Vance Jackson (10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) hit a three pointer on a Dane Kuiper (11 points) assist to make the game 74-72. A layup from McKinley Wright (12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) pushed the lead back to 76-72 for the Buffaloes, then a Drue Drinnon (2 points, 6 assists) dime to Anthony Mathis (23 points) three ball on the other end closed the gap to just one point at 76-75 with 0:07 to go.
After Colorado was able to bring the ball in against pressure defense, the Lobos were forced to foul and it was the hot shooter Anthony Mathis who fouled Lucas Siewert (14 points, 7 rebounds) for Mathis’ fifth foul of the night.
Siewert sunk both free throws and a buzzer beater attempt by Vance Jackson fell well short of the rim as time expired.
Up next, New Mexico hosts Central Arkansas at Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit, which marks the inaugural game for forward Carlton Bragg in a cherry and silver uniform. Colorado will play a neutral court game at the Stan Sheriff Center against Indiana State.
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