I expect both teams to score at least 80 each. Don't take my word for it read it yourself
The University of New Mexico Lobos are off to a good start, but it is a start that was expected by the team and the fans. The Lobos jumped up to the No. 19 spot in the AP poll after easily defeating Alabama A&M and Charleston Southern at home. New Mexico's resolve will be tested this Thursday as they travel to Charleston to take part in ESPN's Charleston Classic tournament.
New Mexico is the only ranked team in the field of eight and is the expected recipient of the tournament trophy. That being said, the Lobos will have a target on their back and taking them out will be a prize in its own right.
First in line is the undefeated University of Alabama at Birmingham (3*0), coached by Jerod Haase. The Blazers are led by C.J. Washington, an agile 6-foot-*8 power forward who averages 20 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Complimenting Washington are a bevy of other capable scorers and rebounders: Chad Frazier (12.0 ppg), Rod Rucker (11.7 ppg & 8.3 rpg), Fahro Alihodzic (10.7 ppg & 9 rpg). Robert Williams (9.0 ppt & 6.3 rpg) and Jordan Swing (8.3 ppg).
"They have size. They are a great offensive rebounding team," said Lobo head coach Craig Neal. He's right. The Blazers hold a +20.7 rebounding margin over their first three opponents and the Blazers have recorded two-*straight 50-*plus rebounding efforts, 54 vs. Rutgers and 53 vs. Troy. UAB is also an excellent free *throw shooting team. In their win over Troy, the team shot an insane 94.1 percent from the charity stripe, going 16 of 17.
But the Lobos can score and board too. New Mexico is averaging 98.5 points per game (7th in the nation) and 43.0 boards per game, holding a +18.5 rebounding edge over its opponents. The Lobos are led in scoring by senior forward Cameron Bairstow, who has scored an average of 25.5 points per game through the first two contests. Fellow big man, Alex Kirk, is wreaking havoc down below averaging 20 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. Kendall Williams, Mountain West Conference player of the year and de facto team leader is averaging 18.5 points and 8.5 assists per game.
The Lobos have strangely struggled from the free* throw line, shooting a paltry 65.9 percent (compared to 72 percent last year). "We have to shoot it better from the foul line," Craig Neal said after UNM's 109*93 win over Charleston Southern on Sunday. "I thought we'd be a really, really good foul shooting team...."
Neal is also concerned about the lackadaisical defense. "I just can't believe we gave up 57 points in a half," Neal said after the Charleston Southern game. "That's the hardest thing. We're going to have to get back to work because we're not going to be able to win games allowing people to score that easy."
If you're smart, you'll play these games yourself
Handouts
:0071
The University of New Mexico Lobos are off to a good start, but it is a start that was expected by the team and the fans. The Lobos jumped up to the No. 19 spot in the AP poll after easily defeating Alabama A&M and Charleston Southern at home. New Mexico's resolve will be tested this Thursday as they travel to Charleston to take part in ESPN's Charleston Classic tournament.
New Mexico is the only ranked team in the field of eight and is the expected recipient of the tournament trophy. That being said, the Lobos will have a target on their back and taking them out will be a prize in its own right.
First in line is the undefeated University of Alabama at Birmingham (3*0), coached by Jerod Haase. The Blazers are led by C.J. Washington, an agile 6-foot-*8 power forward who averages 20 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Complimenting Washington are a bevy of other capable scorers and rebounders: Chad Frazier (12.0 ppg), Rod Rucker (11.7 ppg & 8.3 rpg), Fahro Alihodzic (10.7 ppg & 9 rpg). Robert Williams (9.0 ppt & 6.3 rpg) and Jordan Swing (8.3 ppg).
"They have size. They are a great offensive rebounding team," said Lobo head coach Craig Neal. He's right. The Blazers hold a +20.7 rebounding margin over their first three opponents and the Blazers have recorded two-*straight 50-*plus rebounding efforts, 54 vs. Rutgers and 53 vs. Troy. UAB is also an excellent free *throw shooting team. In their win over Troy, the team shot an insane 94.1 percent from the charity stripe, going 16 of 17.
But the Lobos can score and board too. New Mexico is averaging 98.5 points per game (7th in the nation) and 43.0 boards per game, holding a +18.5 rebounding edge over its opponents. The Lobos are led in scoring by senior forward Cameron Bairstow, who has scored an average of 25.5 points per game through the first two contests. Fellow big man, Alex Kirk, is wreaking havoc down below averaging 20 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. Kendall Williams, Mountain West Conference player of the year and de facto team leader is averaging 18.5 points and 8.5 assists per game.
The Lobos have strangely struggled from the free* throw line, shooting a paltry 65.9 percent (compared to 72 percent last year). "We have to shoot it better from the foul line," Craig Neal said after UNM's 109*93 win over Charleston Southern on Sunday. "I thought we'd be a really, really good foul shooting team...."
Neal is also concerned about the lackadaisical defense. "I just can't believe we gave up 57 points in a half," Neal said after the Charleston Southern game. "That's the hardest thing. We're going to have to get back to work because we're not going to be able to win games allowing people to score that easy."
If you're smart, you'll play these games yourself
Handouts
:0071
