New Mexico delivered a resounding 87-64 victory over Grand Canyon at The Pit, with Jake Hall leading the charge. The junior guard's 22 points set the tone for the Lobos, who never trailed in the game. New Mexico's strong performance was a reflection of their depth and talent, as they improved to 16-4 on the season.
The first half saw New Mexico take control, with the Lobos heading into the break up 38-33. Grand Canyon's Jaden Henley kept his team within striking distance, scoring 10 of his 17 points in the opening period. However, New Mexico's balanced attack, which included 14 points from Uriah Tenette and 13 points from JT Rock, proved too much for the Antelopes to handle.
In the second half, New Mexico pulled away, outscoring Grand Canyon 49-31. The Lobos' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Hall and his teammates moving the ball effectively and finding open shots. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency on offense, with Henley's 17 points and 6 rebounds being a lone bright spot.
The win was a significant one for New Mexico, as it marked a Q2 victory on their tournament resume. With a current net ranking of 43, the Lobos are solidifying their position as a potential NCAA Tournament team. The loss, while not ideal for Grand Canyon, still counts as a Q1 game due to New Mexico's strong ranking. The Antelopes, who fell to 13-6, want to bounce back and continue to build their tournament case.
Grand Canyon's Henley was impressive in defeat, showcasing his all-around skills and ability to score and rebound against a tough opponent. However, it was New Mexico's collective effort that ultimately proved too much for the Antelopes. The Lobos' ability to share the ball and find open shooters was a key factor in their dominant performance.
As the season progresses, New Mexico want to build on this momentum and continue to strengthen their tournament resume. With a strong non-conference win over Grand Canyon under their belt, the Lobos are well-positioned to make a push for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. For Grand Canyon, the loss serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done, but their Q1 performance against New Mexico will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to their tournament profile. The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances, with New Mexico bolstering their case and Grand Canyon looking to learn from their mistakes and move forward.