{"id":217573,"date":"2026-03-13T04:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T04:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/217573\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T04:19:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T04:19:21","slug":"lobos-begin-title-defense-in-las-vegas-against-surging-spartans-in-vegas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/217573\/","title":{"rendered":"Lobos Begin Title Defense in Las Vegas Against Surging Spartans in Vegas"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics<\/p>\n

The New Mexico Lobos men\u2019s basketball team opens postseason play Thursday in the Mountain West Tournament quarterfinals.<\/p>\n

New Mexico faces San Jose State on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tipoff is 9:30 p.m. MT (8:30 p.m. PT \/ 11:30 p.m. ET), with coverage on CBS Sports Network and the Lobo Radio Network.<\/p>\n

San Jose State advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating the Boise State Broncos men\u2019s basketball in the opening round, setting up the third meeting this season between the Spartans and Lobos.<\/p>\n

New Mexico enters the tournament 22\u20139 overall and 13\u20137 in Mountain West play, while San Jose State comes in 9\u201323 overall and 4\u201317 in conference games.<\/p>\n

The Lobos controlled the regular-season series, including a 90\u201380 victory on February 1, when freshman guard Jake Hall scored 27 points.<\/p>\n

Now the stakes are higher in Las Vegas, where one loss means the season is over, and every win brings teams closer to a conference championship and a possible NCAA Tournament spot.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics<\/p>\n

New Mexico Lobos (22\u20139, 13\u20137 MW)<\/p>\n

This season, New Mexico\u2019s strengths include a fast offensive pace, sharp shooting from outside, and steady scoring from many players.<\/p>\n

The Lobos average over 80 points per game while shooting around 46 percent from the field, ranking among the Mountain West\u2019s top offenses.<\/p>\n

Freshman guard Jake Hall leads the team with approximately 15\u201316 points per game and holds the Mountain West freshman record for three-pointers this season.<\/p>\n

Forward Tomislav Buljan has become one of the conference\u2019s most productive big men, averaging around 12 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, providing a powerful interior presence.<\/p>\n

Several other players help with scoring, passing, and defense, which lets the Lobos keep a fast pace and stretch the defense.<\/p>\n

If New Mexico finds its offensive rhythm early, it has the depth and firepower to make a deep run in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

San Jose State Spartans (9\u201323, 4\u201317 MW)<\/p>\n

San Jose State\u2019s record doesn\u2019t tell the whole story about their potential as they enter the tournament.<\/p>\n

The Spartans struggled through conference play but gained momentum with their opening-round win over Boise State, proving they can compete when their guards get hot.<\/p>\n

San Jose State depends on strong guard play and outside shooting. Their biggest strength is scoring from the perimeter and building momentum when their guards are on fire.<\/p>\n

Guard Colby Garland serves as the Spartans\u2019 late-season offensive leader and is among the conference\u2019s top scorers.<\/p>\n

If Garland and the Spartans\u2019 shooters get going early, San Jose State has the ability to keep games competitive.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics<\/p>\n

The Lobos, however, have been one of the league\u2019s most consistent teams all season and aim to add another chapter to their tournament history.<\/p>\n

New Mexico is aiming for its sixth Mountain West tournament championship, having previously won titles in 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2024.<\/p>\n

New Mexico Lobos (22\u20139, 13\u20137 MW)<\/p>\n

New Mexico\u2019s identity this season has been built around offense and pace and that will be important for them to have success in this game.<\/p>\n

The Lobos rank second in the Mountain West in scoring, averaging 80.7 points per game while shooting 46 percent from the field. When the Lobos transition and start knocking down outside shots, they can quickly overwhelm opponents.<\/p>\n

Freshman guard Jake Hall has been the focal point of the offense all season and was recently named Mountain West Freshman of the Year. Hall leads the team with 16.3 points per game while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy James Snook-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Forward Tomislav Buljan has quietly become a crucial contributor late in the season, averaging 12.2 points in the last ten games and offering interior scoring and rebounding.<\/p>\n

Over their last ten games, the Lobos are 5\u20135, averaging 79.9 points, 31 rebounds, and nearly 14 assists per game.<\/p>\n

If New Mexico gets its offensive rhythm back, it has the talent to make a deep run in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

San Jose State Spartans (9\u201323, 4\u201317 MW)<\/p>\n

San Jose State\u2019s record doesn\u2019t fully reflect their potential heading into the tournament. They are very athletic and can be a major threat as they are playing well at the right time.<\/p>\n

The Spartans encountered difficulties during conference play but showed resilience with their win against Boise State in the opening round.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics<\/p>\n

San Jose State averages 71.8 points per game, slightly above the 70.8 points per game that New Mexico usually allows, indicating the Spartans could still score effectively in this matchup.<\/p>\n

Guard Jermaine Washington leads the team in perimeter shooting, averaging 2.2 three-pointers made per game while shooting 36.9 percent from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n

The Spartans\u2019 most threatening offensive player recently has been guard Colby Garland, who is averaging 24.1 points and five assists over the past ten games. Garland also scored 24 points in the February game against New Mexico.<\/p>\n

San Jose State is 3\u20137 in its last ten games, but Wednesday\u2019s upset boosts the Spartans\u2019 confidence heading into the quarterfinal.<\/p>\n

Hall leads New Mexico\u2019s offense as the top scorer and primary shot creator. The freshman shines by hitting deep threes under pressure, driving past defenders, and scoring tough baskets inside. His court vision and isolation skills make him a constant scoring threat.<\/p>\n

Buljan controls the paint with a mix of strength and skill. At 6-9, he fights for every rebound and scores well against bigger defenders. His shot-blocking and toughness make him key on both offense and defense for the Lobos.<\/p>\n

JT Rock, this 7-2 post seems to be getting better each game and is a force on both the offensive side and defensive side of the ball in the paint.<\/p>\n

Albury is one of the Lobos\u2019 most experienced guards. The senior scores and sets up plays, averaging about 11 points and over 3 assists per game while helping manage the team\u2019s pace.<\/p>\n

Tenette brings energy with tough defense and smart scoring. He pressures ball-handlers, forces turnovers with quick hands, and scores fast-break points, making him a spark on both offense and defense.<\/p>\n

Chol offers rare versatility with his length and quickness. He defends multiple positions, challenges shots in the paint, and stretches defenses with his shooting, creating mismatches and opening up space for teammates.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics<\/p>\n

Colby Garland
Garland, a dynamic junior, excels at taking tough shots and sparking scoring runs. He breaks down defenders one-on-one, hits deep threes under pressure, and attacks the rim with focus. When he gets going early, he changes the Spartans\u2019 offense.<\/p>\n

Washington spreads the floor with steady, high-arc three-point shooting. His quick release punishes late closeouts, and his patience off the ball keeps defenders honest, making him a key floor-spacer for San Jose State. Scoring runs from beyond the arc as well.<\/p>\n

Myers uses strength and footwork to score inside or pull up for midrange shots. His ability to find gaps in the defense and grab rebounds adds an important element to San Jose State\u2019s frontcourt.<\/p>\n

Bell uses his long frame and quick first step to guard wings and forwards. Offensively, he thrives in transition, finishing above the rim, and brings valuable length and athleticism on both ends.<\/p>\n

NgaNga anchors San Jose State\u2019s rim protection with his 6-10 frame and timing. He disrupts drives, blocks shots cleanly, and fights for tough rebounds, all crucial for defending New Mexico\u2019s inside game.<\/p>\n

New Mexico performs its best basketball when the pace is fast. When the Lobos speed up the game and create transition opportunities, their offense becomes very tough to defend.<\/p>\n

The Lobos average 9.5 made three-pointers per game, well above the 7.8 they usually allow San Jose State.<\/p>\n

San Jose State\u2019s chances mainly depend on Garland. If the Lobos limit him early, the Spartans could struggle to keep pace offensively.<\/p>\n

San Jose State already pulled off an upset in Las Vegas, defeating Boise State 84-74 last night; in conference tournaments, momentum can sometimes outweigh regular-season results.<\/p>\n

Colby Garland scored 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals while playing every minute to lead the No. 11 seed San Jos\u00e9 State (9-23, 3-17 MW) to an 84-74 victory over the No. 6 seed Boise State (20-12, 12-8 MW) on Wednesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics<\/p>\n

San Jose State comes in confident after its first-round win, but New Mexico\u2019s offensive strength and depth give the Lobos the advantage.<\/p>\n

That, along with the thousands who will travel eight hours from Albuquerque, has been a significant advantage for Lobo teams.<\/p>\n

What the fanbase calls \u201cPIT West\u201d should really give this team a much-needed boost in tournament play.<\/p>\n

If the Lobos control the tempo and restrict Garland\u2019s scoring runs, they should be able to dictate the game.<\/p>\n

If New Mexico controls the pace and keeps Garland\u2019s scoring in check, the Lobos should be able to control the game. San Jose State might keep it close early, but New Mexico\u2019s offense should take charge in the second half.<\/p>\n

New Mexico 84
San Jose State 72<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics The New Mexico Lobos men\u2019s basketball team opens postseason play Thursday in the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":217574,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[44135,99767,99768,72463,88,90,89,52380],"class_list":["post-217573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-jose","tag-mountain-west-basketball","tag-mountain-west-basketball-recruiting","tag-mountain-west-discussion","tag-new-mexico-basketball","tag-san-jose","tag-san-jose-headlines","tag-san-jose-news","tag-san-jose-state-basketball"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=217573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217573\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/217574"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=217573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=217573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}