New Mexico defeats Grand Canyon 87-64
New Mexico Dominates Grand Canyon in Conference Showdown
The University of New Mexico men's basketball team made a statement on Wednesday night, cruising to an 87-64 victory over visiting Grand Canyon at The Pit. The Lobos' convincing win was a testament to their dominance on both ends of the court.
The game began with a back-and-forth first half, as New Mexico (HOME) led 38-33 at halftime. However, it was clear from the start that this was going to be a one-sided affair. The largest lead of the night came courtesy of the Lobos, who stretched their advantage to 25 points in the second half. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, managed just two points over a span of four minutes, illustrating the chasm between the two teams.
New Mexico's balanced attack was on full display, with Jake Hall leading the way with 22 points, including 2-3 three-pointers and 58.3% shooting from the field. Luke Haupt added 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Deyton Albury chipped in with four assists and 11 points.
In contrast, Grand Canyon struggled to find its footing. Jaden Henley led the way for the Lopes with 17 points, but shot just 45.5% from the field. The team's reliance on Henley was evident, as he accounted for nearly half of their total points.
Advanced statistics highlighted New Mexico's efficiency on both ends of the court. The Lobos shot a team-high 60.0% from effective field position (eFG%) and boasted an impressive True Shooting Percentage of 64.6%. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon struggled to find its range, shooting just 39.2% from eFG%.
This win marks New Mexico's first conference victory, as they move closer to securing a spot in the Mountain West Tournament. The Lobos' balanced attack and stifling defense made them nearly unbeatable at home, with their largest lead growing by as much as 25 points.
The loss serves as a setback for Grand Canyon, which falls to 0-5 on the road this season. Despite Henley's valiant effort, the Lopes were unable to overcome the Lobos' dominance.
With this convincing win, New Mexico takes control of their conference schedule and sets themselves up for success in the Mountain West Tournament.