Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 29-5
RPI: 2
BPI: 9
Conference: Mountain West Conference
How They Qualified: Mountain West Conference Tournament Champion
The New Mexico Lobos had a wildly successful season. Winning their fist twelve games to start the season now seems like a then sign of things to come. Steve Alford has done a wonderful job of making this program not only a MWC power, but now looking like a perennial national player for many years to come.
Since Alford took over, New Mexico has not won less than 22 games in any season and have been to two NCAA Tournaments.
What You Need to Know:
Leading Scorer: Kendall Williams (13.7 ppg)
Leading Rebounder: Alex Kirk (8.1 rpg)
Leading Passer: Kendall Williams (4.9 apg)
Bad Losses: Air Force
Good Wins: UConn, UNLV, Colorado State (twice)
The Lobos are real. Kendall Williams might lead the team in scoring, but he is only one of four guys who have a legitimate shot at being New Mexico’s leading basket-maker on any given night. Tony Snell and Alex Kirk are two other players to really keep on eye out for. Kirk especially, as he continues to be an ever-improving 7 foot force.
As for your brackets, personally, I am all-in with this team. Not only do they have dynamic guard play but also have a force on the inside. That is rare in all levels of basketball these days, nevertheless a level where teams usually only have one component. Expect New Mexico to do real damage in the big dance.
The New Mexico Lobos are dancing!
Joe is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. For the love of Sam Cassell, follow Joe on the mean streets of Twitter @JosephNardone
