Lobos get some good news on injured McClure
Senior was hurt vs. Auburn but could be available Sunday
Tuesday was unquestionably upbeat for the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team.
There was good news regarding the Lobos’ present and their future, so a team coming off a heartbreaking 79-76 loss to Auburn on Sunday still had plenty to smile about.
First, the present. UNM will likely be healthier than expected for its next game. Senior post Nike McClure, who was taken up the Dreamstyle Arena ramp on the back of a cart during Sunday’s third quarter, will not miss extended time. McClure even predicted she could be available when the Lobos host Hartford for a WNIT consolation game Sunday. Few would have expected such a timetable after seeing McClure writhing in pain after injuring her left ankle against Auburn, but medical evaluations showed no structural damage. McClure did not practice Tuesday but was walking with only a minor limp and without the walking boot she sported Monday. Her ankle was noticeably swollen, but McClure was all smiles before practice. “Huge relief,” McClure said. Lobo coach Mike Bradbury called McClure “day to day,” and said her availability for Sunday will depend upon whether she can practice Friday and Saturday.
If McClure is unable to play, sophomore Antonia Anderson will likely start in her place, Bradbury said. Anderson had nine points, eight rebounds and two assists off the bench against Auburn.
Senior forward Emily Lines also is ahead of schedule in her recovery from a broken finger on her shooting (right) hand. Lines practiced on a limited basis for the first time Tuesday since the injury occurred (Nov. 2) and was able to shoot and handle the ball effectively. Bradbury said Lines remains doubtful for Sunday’s game but did not entirely rule her out.
“I didn’t expect her to practice (Tuesday) either,” Bradbury said, “so we’ll see.”
HARTFORD IT IS: UNM will face the Hawks in a consolation game even though Hartford started the tournament on the other side of the 16-team bracket. It’s largely a financial decision, Bradbury said.
Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa were the other teams to lose quarterfinals and will face each other.
“That game’s a bus trip,” Bradbury said. “It made more sense for the WNIT to pay for one team to fly than two.”
Hartford (1-2) rolled past Morgan State in the opening round and lost a 75-62 decision at No. 24 Miami. The Hawks also lost their season opener at Villanova. POSITIVE SIGNS: UNM is expecting to receive signed National Letters of Intent from all four of its 2019 commits today. If so, Bradbury and his staff will have their third top-30ranked recruiting class in a row — a program first.
The Lobos have received commitments from post Azaria Robinson, forward Autumn Watts, shooting guard Andriana Avent and point guard Corina Carter. Evaluator Dan Olson (espnw/hoopgurls) and All-Star Girls Report each ranked UNM 29th nationally, though the ASGR ranking did not include Robinson (a relatively late commit) and could end up higher. BlueStar, the other widely recognized national scouting service, had not yet released its class rankings Tuesday night.
ASGR also includes transfers in its rankings, and UNM has two signed for next season in guard Najala Howell (from UTEP) and post Bride Kennedy-Hopoate (Iowa State). According to ASGR, New Mexico’s 2019 class was easily the best among Mountain West programs. Boise State (68th) and UNLV (96th) were the only others ranked among the top 100.
Bradbury has confirmed UNM is recruiting Robinson, Watts, Avent and Carter, but NCAA rules prohibit coaches from otherwise commenting on recruits until they officially sign.