Strong at home as usual, the Lobos have struggled away from the Pit, losing even to in-state rival New Mexico State 84-71 on Dec. 10. While they average 76.9 points a game, some of their opponents find it easy to score even more: New Mexico’s defensive efficiency ranks only 183 of 351 Division I teams, with it allowing opponents to shoot 45.1 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range.
Offensively, the Lobos rely on the two-man attack of forward Tim Williams and guard Elijah Brown. Brown can be a prolific scorer but he takes more than half of his shots from 3-point range but hits them at only a 27.5 percent rate. He’s also turnover-prone. Williams is the Lobos’ leading scorer and rebounder. Williams has limited range but he’s shooting an efficient 63.1 percent from the field. Jordan Hunter took over point guard for Neal’s son, Cullen, who transferred to Ole Miss, while big wing Sam Logwood is a third-year starter. Inside, South Sudan native Obij Aget can be a defensive presence around the rim, but he averages just 18 minutes.