ABQ community rallies behind UNM Men’s Basketball after team clinches NCAA spot
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A sea of cherry and silver lined the Albuquerque International Sunport Sunday morning, and at the pit in the afternoon, the community came together to celebrate the Men’s Lobos Basketball Team as they prepare for the NCAA tournament.
With trophy in hand, the team returned from Las Vegas, NV, with hundreds cheering in victory and congratulating their Lobos.
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“We did this for you guys. Players came here because of the fans, my family came here because of you,” said Richard Pitino, head coach for the UNM Men’s Basketball Team. “We know how important basketball is to this community, we appreciate you guys.”
Players signed autographs for fans, while others reveled in the excitement, giving out hugs, and high fives.
“You can feel the love from the city, and it’s just beautiful,” said Sebastian Forsling, a junior center for the team.
Their 68 to 61 win over San Diego State last night marks the first time the team has won the tournament in a decade.
“I feel like getting more hardware. I want some more,” said Jamal Mashburn Jr., a senior guard.
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Even more, excitement filled the day as Lobo fans packed The Pit Sunday afternoon with less than 24 hours’ notice to learn who the Lobos will play against in the NCAA tournament.
“It’s great that they’re back in the tournament,” said Howard Humetewa, a longtime Lobo fan. “As an 11 seed, I have mixed feelings, but the setup is really good.”
“I’ve always dreamed of going to the Sweet 16 to watch, so I’m hoping this is the year,” said another fan.
While fans couldn’t be more thrilled to see the team return to make a post-season run, players and coaches say they’re grateful to see all the fan support throughout the day.
“It means so much to us winning this, and we’ve been fighting so hard and staying the course, so yeah, it was worth it,” Forsling said.
“The support we get is unbelievable,” Pitino said. “I said from day one, this is the reason I took the job was the fans, and to be welcomed by them at the airport brings a tear to your eye.”
