Donovan Dent and the first-place Lobos faced off against the eleven-and-eight Rebels in Las Vegas. Heading into the contest New Mexico was favored to win-and for a good reason . The Lobos have had an impressive season, boasting a record of sixteen wins and four losses, including eight victories in conference play. Their superstar, Donovan Dent, has kept them in contention for not only for the Mountain West crown but also for an AP Top 25 ranking. Although New Mexico was expected to secure a comfortable win at the Thomas and Mack, the Rebels kept it close, with the Lobos ultimately edging out a 75-73 victory
This fierce Mountain West rivalry was a thrilling game to watch. Both teams matched each other’s tempo at different points throughout the match, showcasing their ability to shoot reasonably well from three-point range. However, when it came down to the final moments, the Rebels couldn’t perform as they had against Utah State earlier in the season. In the end, three key components contributed to the Lobos’ victory. Those three key components are included below.
Donovan Dent, the junior guard, has been outstanding this season. He is currently averaging 18.9 points per game, which ranks him 37th nationally in scoring. Additionally, he stands 7th in the nation for assists, with an impressive average of 6.9 per game. In his recent performance against the Rebels, Dent recorded an impressive thirty-four points, along with two assists and one rebound, over thirty-seven minutes of play. His exceptional performance played a crucial role in leading the Lobos to victory at the Thomas and Mack Center.
New Mexico faced a challenging game but excelled on the boards, creating valuable second-chance opportunities for their talented scorers. The standout performance came from Lobos guard Nelly Junior Joseph, who achieved a career-high of 18 rebounds. Reflecting on his team’s dominance in the paint, New Mexico coach Richard Pitino remarked,
“UNLV is really good, and we just had to find a way to get a win. It was one of those games when we weren’t making many shots, and the first half was a bit choppy with all the free throws. However, we were exceptional at the rim today, and that was a big reason for our victory.” – Richard Pitino
With 2:05 left in a close game, Nelly Junior Joseph soared for a putback, extending the Lobos’ lead to 74-72. As the clock wound down to 0:23, UNLV’s Rebels guard Dedan Thomas Jr. was fouled, earning a critical trip to the free-throw line. He confidently sank his first free throw, narrowing the gap to 74-73. However, when it came time for the second shot, the tension in the arena was palpable. Unfortunately for the Rebels, Dedan missed the crucial free throw, leaving the Lobos to hold on to their lead and secure the victory.
First Star of the Game: New Mexico guard Donovan Dent
Second Star of the game: New Mexico Center Nelly Junior Joseph
Third Star of the Game: UNLV guard Julian Rishwain
The impressive performances from New Mexico’s dynamic duo, Dent and Junior Joseph, were pivotal for the Lobos in this game. Both players consistently found ways to score, fueling the team’s offensive efforts and maintaining their competitiveness. Dent’s precise shooting and Joseph’s knack for driving to the basket proved crucial, highlighting the team’s potential to make waves in March. The fierce competition kept fans on the edge of their seats as the Rebels and New Mexico engaged in a spirited battle, exemplifying the vibrant spirit of Mountain West basketball.
Next Game for New Mexico: February 1st at 7:30 PM PT against Utah State
Next Game for UNLV: January 29th at 7:00 PM PT against Utah State
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