UNM craving big test in its tourney
Lobos open up against Providence
Forget about any appetizers at this week’s Lobo Invitational women’s basketball tournament. This one starts with a main course.
Host UNM (8-4) and Providence (8-1) will square off at 7 p.m. Wednesday as the threeday round-robin tournament tips off with two games at Dream style Arena. Ball State (4-4) and Loyola Marymount (3-7) will play Wednesday’s opener at 4:30 p.m.
The Lobos will face LMU and Ball State on Thursday and Friday, respectively, and will play at 7 p.m. each day of the tournament.
Because of the tournament schedule, preparations will be limited. That, UNM coach Mike Bradbury said, presents a challenge.
“We’re playing three teams that could hardly be more different,” Bradbury said. “Providence plays five out on offense, drives and shoots 3s, Loyola Marymount is similar to us with dribble-drive, and Ball State plays four out with a dominant
post player. It’s going to be an interesting three days.”
UNM had just one day to prepare for Providence after Monday’s 107-53 romp over New Mexico State. The Lobos watched video followed by a walk-through Tuesday.
Bradbury and his players hope the limited preparation will be enough against the red-hot Friars.
“They’re one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country,” Bradbury said. “They’re second nationally in 3-point percentage (44.1%) and their (center) is their leading scorer. They are not easy to guard.”
Providence is coming off a 67-60 win at Utah on Monday night and is 5-1 on the road this season. Its top three 3-point shooters are hitting 44% or better but it’s not a product of patient, deliberate offense.
“No, they play very fast,” UNM’s Jaedyn De La Cerda said. “I think it’ll be an up-and-down game. We need to be clicking like we were (Monday) night.”
New Mexico bounced back from its worst offensive outing of the season (an 84-47 loss at Arizona State on Saturday) with its best —a 107-53 romp over the Aggies. UNM’s point total and shooting percentages increased dramatically, but De La Cerda did not see offense as the most significant change.
“Our energy was so much better,” she said. “Everyone was part of it and we came together. We need to build on that.”
De La Cerda (16 points, seven assists) was one of five players to score in double figures for UNM on Monday. Ahlise Hurst, who ranks third nationally with 40 made 3-pointers, went 5-for-8 from long distance.
JOINING THE PACK: Freshman Celine Dupont joined the Lobos at practice for the first time Tuesday. The 6-foot-4 center from the Netherlands had to complete fall semester courses before she could participate in team practice sessions.
Dupont has been working out after team drills conclude at the Davalos Center. She was all smiles Tuesday, staying after practice to take on teammates in one-on-one contests.
“Celine’s now eligible to practice and she’ll be on the bench for home games,” Bradbury said. “She won’t play this season but practicing with us will really help her and it gives us a big post on our scout team. She’s pretty excited after working out by herself for so long.”
Dupont is taking a redshirt season and will be eligible as a freshman in 2020-21.
MAKING A MARK: Freshman Andriana Avent appeared just once in UNM’s first nine games but has begun to make her presence in the last three. Avent’s 10 points against NMSU included a play on which Avent was fouled on the baseline and leaning behind the backboard when the official’s whistle sounded. She lofted a high jumper over the backboard that fell through to a loud ovation and hit the ensuing free throw for a three-point play.