UNM Lobos will head into the NCAA Tournament with a head of steam
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been a decade since they have been to the NCAA Tournament. The UNM Lobos hope to continue writing their story by making a run in the tournament.
Need a ride to the Lobo’s NCAA tournament game? – Fan bus to Memphis leaves Thursday
The Lobos, an 11 seed, will face number 6-Clemson Friday in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s the latest accomplishment for a Lobos program that had only six wins the season before head coach Richard Pitino arrived. “You know, I think this year put us back on the map,” said Pitino. “I think New Mexico has had some tough times. Now we can continue to build and sell to our current players, because you are going to have to retain them, as well as future recruits, about just how special this place can be.”
The fans showed up for the Lobos at the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas last week. The support was so strong that every game for the Lobos was like a home game. The Lobos used that support to win four games in four days, as they became the first team to win the Mountain West Tournament after starting in the play in game. The win guaranteed the Lobos spot in the NCAA Tournament with an automatic bid. There is a strong chance that they would have been left out of the field of 68, had they not won the title.
Now, the Lobos are determined to have a good showing in March Madness. “We compete, when it comes down to it,” said UNM guard Jamal Mashburn Jr.. “We’re going to compete every possession and play with a sense of urgency every possession.”
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Clemson coach Brad Brownell knows that his team will face a squad that is coming in on a winning streak. He said it’s happened more than once this season. “You know, it seems like, this is a year where every time it seems, we play somebody they’re on a three to four game win streak, five, six, seven, eight, whatever, it’s been this year,” said Brownell. Obviously they just won the Mountain West Tournament. So, they’re playing with great confidence.”
The Lobos and Clemson have a 1:10 pm start time Friday in Memphis. The game will be broadcast on Trutv.
