New Mexico defeats FGCU 75-59
FGCU Falls Short in New Mexico
The University of New Mexico (UMN) held off a late surge from the visiting Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles, defeating them 75-59 in a non-conference matchup at The Pit.
New Mexico's victory marks their first win this season, while FGCU falls to 5-3 on the year. Despite being the road team, UMN dominated the paint and outrebounded FGCU 44-29, including 16 offensive boards.
The game was tied at halftime, with New Mexico leading 28-25. However, the Lobos took control in the second half, expanding their lead to as many as 25 points. FGCU made a late push, cutting the deficit to 9 points with under two minutes remaining. However, UMN's defense stiffened, and they sealed the victory.
Antonio Chol led the way for New Mexico, scoring 14 points on 3-8 three-point shooting. Luke Haupt chipped in with six assists and seven points, while also grabbing four rebounds.
For FGCU, Rory Stewart scored nine points but struggled from beyond the arc, going 3-8 from three. Gabe Tanner was the only other Eagle to reach double digits, scoring eight points on 4-7 shooting from the field.
The Lobos' balanced attack and strong defensive play proved too much for the Eagles to overcome. New Mexico's eFG% of 42.5% compared to FGCU's 43.9% highlights the Lobos' ability to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities.
Despite the loss, FGCU remains a formidable opponent in the conference, with a 5-3 record and a strong offense that has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. New Mexico's victory is a significant one, as it marks their first win this season and demonstrates their potential for success in the coming weeks.
New Mexico's 75 points were scored from within the paint (28), on fast breaks (13), and off turnovers (17). FGCU's 59 points came primarily from within the paint (14) and off turnovers (17).
The Lobos' eFG% of 42.5%, FT Rate of 45.0%, OREB% of 36.4%, TO Ratio of 19.7, and True Shooting Percentage of 52.2 all underscored their efficient attack.
As the conference season heats up, both teams will look to build on this victory and make a push for the top spot. For New Mexico, this win marks an important turning point in the season, while for FGCU, it serves as a reminder that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the league.