New Mexico asserted its dominance from the opening tip, cruising to a 91-49 victory over Air Force Academy at Clune Arena. The Lobos' impressive performance was led by Jake Hall, who poured in 24 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Hall's outstanding effort set the tone for New Mexico, which never trailed in the contest.
The Lobos stormed out to a 45-22 lead at halftime, with Hall scoring 14 of his points in the first 20 minutes. New Mexico's offense was nearly unstoppable, with four players scoring in double figures. Tajavis Miller added 16 points, while Deyton Albury chipped in with 13. The Lobos' balanced attack and stifling defense made it difficult for Air Force to gain any traction.
Kam Sanders was the lone bright spot for Air Force, scoring a team-high 13 points. Caleb Walker contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Falcons' sluggish start. Air Force managed just 22 points in the first half, and although they scored 27 in the second, the deficit was too great to overcome.
New Mexico's second-half performance was just as impressive as its first, with the Lobos outscoring Air Force 46-27. The Lobos' 42-point margin of victory was a reflection of their superior talent and depth. New Mexico's win was never in doubt, as they led by as many as 45 points in the second half.
The outcome of this game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For New Mexico, the victory was a Quadrant 4 win, which may not greatly impact their tournament chances. However, it does help to maintain their current net ranking of 43. On the other hand, Air Force was looking to capitalize on a Quadrant 2 opportunity, but the loss drops them to 3-17 on the season. The Falcons' net ranking of 345 makes it an uphill battle for them to improve their tournament prospects.
Given the disparity in talent and performance, it is no surprise that New Mexico emerged victorious. The Lobos' impressive win serves as a statement of their strength and a reflection of their position as a top team in the country. As the season progresses, New Mexico want to build on this momentum, while Air Force will aim to regroup and find ways to compete against tougher opponents. The Lobos' convincing victory solidifies their position as a tournament contender, and they want to continue their strong play in upcoming games.