Men: New Mexico at Air Force
Friday, 7 p.m., Clune Arena, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. TV: FS1 (Comcast 255, DirecTV 219, Dish 150). Radio: 770 AM/96.3 FM. Line: UNM by 6.
What you need to know about the Lobos: UNM’s offense hasn’t been the issue against Air Force — not two weeks ago when the Lobos won 81-73 or even last season. Not the season-opponent high 91 points UNM scored in Clune Arena last season, when Lobo Jaelen House scored 42 points. On the other hand, UNM wasn’t exactly on its A-game on defense two weeks ago in the Pit vs. the Falcons, especially in the second half. AFA scored 39 points in the second half and assisted on 10 of 13 field goals, prompting Udeze to admit after the game he did not expect the Falcons to be as fast running their offense as they were. UNM hasn’t hit more than five 3-pointers in any of the past three games and shoots the lowest volume of 3-pointers in the league (28.1% of their shot attempts; the national average is 37.5%). Air Force meanwhile allows opponents to shoot the fewest 3s in the league, so this might not be the game the Lobos break that trend.
What you need to know about the Falcons: They are on a six-game losing streak but were within striking distance in the second half against four of the league’s five NCAA Tournament hopefuls during the current skid. In the end, the Falcons have been unable to come up with the big stops when needed and rank last in the 11-team league during conference play in defensive efficiency. As has traditionally been the case, teams often use superior athleticism, points in transition and one-on-one offense to do their damage. AFA leads the MWC and ranks 15th nationally in defensive assist rate as opposing teams assist on just 42.1% of their field goals (the national average is 51.3%). In the first matchup, UNM had 11 assists on 28 baskets (39.3% A/FGM). Air Force’s Petraitis went for 19 points and 11 rebounds against the Lobos two weeks ago, but fellow big men Becker and Jackson both fouled out as UNM’s Morris Udeze drew nine fouls and committed none.