The New Mexico Lobos edged out the Fresno State Bulldogs 80-78 on the road at the Save Mart Center, securing a narrow 2-point victory. The final margin was a testament to the intensity and competitiveness displayed by both teams throughout the contest. New Mexico's 48-point second half outpaced Fresno State's 34-point effort, ultimately deciding the outcome.
The Bulldogs, ranked 136th in the NET, managed to keep pace with the Lobos, who sit 42nd in the NET rankings, for most of the game. However, New Mexico's second-half surge proved to be the decisive factor, as they outscored Fresno State by 16 points over the final 20 minutes.
Deyton Albury's performance was a crucial factor in New Mexico's 80-78 victory over Fresno State. He led the team in scoring with 21 points, making 7 of 10 field goal attempts and 7 of 9 free throw attempts. Albury also contributed on the glass with 8 rebounds. His efficiency on the court was evident in his high field goal percentage and impressive free throw shooting.
Jake Hall and Luke Haupt also played significant roles in the win. Hall scored 20 points, making 8 of 12 field goal attempts and 2 of 3 three-point attempts. He also made both of his free throw attempts, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Haupt, meanwhile, chipped in with 10 points and 2 blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Jake Heidbreder's 22 points were a bright spot for Fresno State, but his inability to secure rebounds and contribute on the glass hindered the team's overall performance. He shot efficiently from the field and beyond the arc, converting 8 of his 14 field goal attempts and 3 of his 8 three-point attempts, but his limited impact in other areas was a factor in the loss.
DeShawn Gory's 21 points and 8 rebounds were a good effort, but he was unable to carry the team to victory. His 3-for-7 performance from beyond the arc was somewhat inconsistent, and while he was a force on the glass, the Bulldogs' inability to capitalize on his production elsewhere was a significant factor in the outcome. Wilson Jacques' 16 points and 10 rebounds were solid, but ultimately not enough to overcome the team's overall struggles.
The remaining Lobo and Bulldog players generally adhered to their season averages.
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CORRECTPredicted
Final
While the pre-game prediction held true, the margin of victory was significantly narrower than anticipated, with New Mexico emerging victorious by a mere two points. The actual outcome suggests that the game was a closely contested, back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage.
The deciding factors in this game were Fresno State's remarkable improvement in shooting efficiency and rebounding, particularly in the paint. The Bulldogs' effective field goal percentage soared to 57.9%, a substantial increase from their season average of 51.1%. Meanwhile, their rebounding rate jumped to 35.5%, a stark contrast to their season average of 24.4%. New Mexico's defense struggled to contain Fresno State's newfound aggressiveness on the glass, allowing the Bulldogs to secure a significant advantage in second-chance opportunities. These factors, combined with New Mexico's inability to capitalize on their own shooting opportunities, ultimately sealed the outcome.
The New Mexico Lobos' victory not only extends their winning streak but also provides a crucial boost to their NCAA Tournament resume, further solidifying their status as a projected 8-seed in the upcoming tournament. With a 6-1 record against Quad 2 opponents, the Lobos have effectively maximized their non-conference schedule and have established themselves as a formidable team in the Mountain West Conference. Meanwhile, the loss for Fresno State stings, as it drops them to 1-4 against Quad 2 opponents, making it increasingly difficult for the Bulldogs to crack the field as a 15-seed. With their NET ranking plummeting to #136, Fresno State's NCAA Tournament hopes now hang precariously in the balance, and a strong finish to the regular season is their only hope to avoid a potentially catastrophic snub.