New Mexico Dominates Santa Clara 98–71 in Statement Home Victory at The Pit
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Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
By Roger A. Holien — Mountain West Connection | Post-Game Review
New Mexico put in its strongest performance so far this season Saturday night, defeating Santa Clara 98–71 in front of a lively white-out crowd of 13,614 at The Pit.
Against a Broncos team that entered the game ranked No. 35 in the NET, the Lobos didn’t just win—they showed their dominance, showing how quickly this group is developing under first-year head coach Eric Olen.
What many expected to be a competitive nonconference matchup quickly turned into a showcase of UNM’s depth, pace, and cohesion.
New Mexico looked sharper, quicker, and much more connected than it did just two weeks ago. This was a team resembling a much more finished product, not an unfinished work.
A Program Clicking Into Form
Santa Clara was creating an impressive résumé this season: double-digit wins over Minnesota, Nevada, and Xavier showcased their progress.
Santa Clara started strong, exchanging blows in a fast-paced first half. But when New Mexico found its defensive rhythm, the momentum shifted dramatically.
The Lobos turned stops into transition baskets, controlled the boards, and set the game’s pace.
Leading 45–36 at halftime, UNM surged after the break. What was a close game quickly turned into a blowout. The Lobos briefly led 47–46 early in the second half—then pulled away.
Over the next 12 minutes, New Mexico went on a 43-point run, raising the score to 90–57 with 4:22 remaining.
The 33-point lead became the largest of the night and the turning point of the game. Santa Clara never recovered. This was the version of the Lobos fans had been waiting to see: a relentless, athletic, unselfish team capable of overwhelming opponents in waves.
Standout Performances
The most encouraging sign? New Mexico excelled without depending on a single star. Seven Lobos scored at least eight points, and every rotation player contributed.
Antonio Chol — 15 pts (6–7 FG), 4 rebounds
Set the early tone with slashing scores and confident mid-range shooting.
Tomislav Buljan — 16 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk, 7 fouls drawn
After sitting out Monday with an ankle issue, Buljan returned with his best performance as a Lobo—a force inside, controlling the paint and anchoring the frontcourt.
Jake Hulett — 13 pts (5–7 FG)
A huge spark off the bench, scoring at all three levels while bringing instant energy.
Deyton Albury — 11 pts, 4 ast
Steady, poised, and unfazed—he controlled the tempo and organized the offense.
Chris Howell — 11 pts, 6 reb
Physical, relentless, and active around the rim.
JT Rock — 11 pts, 6 reb (in 12 minutes)
The Iowa State transfer delivered his most imposing outing yet, altering shots, running the floor, and bullying Santa Clara’s interior. His presence changed the game’s physicality.
Uriah Tenette — 8 pts (3–4 FG)
Quick, confident minutes off the bench with playmaking and pace.
New Mexico’s bench outscored Santa Clara’s 36–17, underscoring just how deep this roster has become.
Santa Clara’s Shooting Doom
Santa Clara leaned heavily on its guard trio:
- Elijah Mahi — 19 pts
- Allen Graves — 16 pts
- Bukky Oboeye — 15 pts
But while the Broncos created many scoring chances, their long-range shooting was poor.
Santa Clara took 44 three-pointers but only made 10—a cold 23% that crushed any chance of keeping pace with UNM’s high efficiency.
Despite grabbing 18 offensive rebounds, the Broncos couldn’t convert second-chance opportunities into points or gain momentum.
Why the Lobos Controlled the Matchup
Nearly every major statistical category tilted decisively toward New Mexico:
- Points in the paint: UNM 50 – SCU 28
- Fast-break points: UNM 29 – SCU 3
- Field-goal percentage: UNM 60% – SCU 38%
- Bench scoring: UNM 36 – SCU 17
- Game-breaking second-half surge: 12–1 UNM run that blew things open
The Lobos were quicker, tougher, and more efficient. Their defense triggered their offense, and their offense never let Santa Clara breathe.
This was a complete performance—arguably the most complete the Lobos have delivered all season.
A Team on a Rapid Ascent
Saturday wasn’t just a win; it was evidence of a team finding its identity: sharing the ball, playing tough defense, attacking quickly in transition, and trusting the system.
Roles are becoming more defined. Rotations are improving. Communication is getting better. And confidence around The Pit is increasing quickly.
If New Mexico continues on this path, they won’t just be competitive in the Mountain West; it will become one of the toughest teams in the league to beat.
Next Up: A Defining Road Challenge
New Mexico now shifts its focus to a crucial road challenge: Wednesday at VCU, one of the most hostile home environments in the country outside the Mountain West.
UNM leaves Albuquerque with momentum, confidence, and its best performance of the season. Wednesday will show just how high this team’s potential could be.
New Mexico Dominates Santa Clara 98–71 in Statement Home Victory at The Pit
By Roger A. Holien — Mountain West Connection | Post-Game Review
New Mexico put in its strongest performance so far this season Saturday night, defeating Santa Clara 98–71 in front of a lively white-out crowd of 13,614 at The Pit.
Against a Broncos team that entered the game ranked No. 35 in the NET, the Lobos didn’t just win—they showed their dominance, showing how quickly this group is developing under first-year head coach Eric Olen.
What many expected to be a competitive nonconference matchup quickly turned into a showcase of UNM’s depth, pace, and cohesion.
New Mexico looked sharper, quicker, and much more connected than it did just two weeks ago. This was a team resembling a much more finished product, not an unfinished work.
A Program Clicking Into Form
Santa Clara was creating an impressive résumé this season: double-digit wins over Minnesota, Nevada, and Xavier showcased their progress.
Santa Clara started strong, exchanging blows in a fast-paced first half. But when New Mexico found its defensive rhythm, the momentum shifted dramatically.
The Lobos turned stops into transition baskets, controlled the boards, and set the game’s pace.
Leading 45–36 at halftime, UNM surged after the break. What was a close game quickly turned into a blowout. The Lobos briefly led 47–46 early in the second half—then pulled away.
Over the next 12 minutes, New Mexico went on a 43-point run, raising the score to 90–57 with 4:22 remaining.
The 33-point lead became the largest of the night and the turning point of the game. Santa Clara never recovered. This was the version of the Lobos fans had been waiting to see: a relentless, athletic, unselfish team capable of overwhelming opponents in waves.
Standout Performances
The most encouraging sign? New Mexico excelled without depending on a single star. Seven Lobos scored at least eight points, and every rotation player contributed.
Antonio Chol — 15 pts (6–7 FG), 4 rebounds
Set the early tone with slashing scores and confident mid-range shooting.
Tomislav Buljan — 16 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk, 7 fouls drawn
After sitting out Monday with an ankle issue, Buljan returned with his best performance as a Lobo—a force inside, controlling the paint and anchoring the frontcourt.
Jake Hulett — 13 pts (5–7 FG)
A huge spark off the bench, scoring at all three levels while bringing instant energy.
Deyton Albury — 11 pts, 4 ast
Steady, poised, and unfazed—he controlled the tempo and organized the offense.
Chris Howell — 11 pts, 6 reb
Physical, relentless, and active around the rim.
JT Rock — 11 pts, 6 reb (in 12 minutes)
The Iowa State transfer delivered his most imposing outing yet, altering shots, running the floor, and bullying Santa Clara’s interior. His presence changed the game’s physicality.
Uriah Tenette — 8 pts (3–4 FG)
Quick, confident minutes off the bench with playmaking and pace.
New Mexico’s bench outscored Santa Clara’s 36–17, underscoring just how deep this roster has become.
Santa Clara’s Shooting Doom
Santa Clara leaned heavily on its guard trio:
- Elijah Mahi — 19 pts
- Allen Graves — 16 pts
- Bukky Oboeye — 15 pts
But while the Broncos created many scoring chances, their long-range shooting was poor.
Santa Clara took 44 three-pointers but only made 10—a cold 23% that crushed any chance of keeping pace with UNM’s high efficiency.
Despite grabbing 18 offensive rebounds, the Broncos couldn’t convert second-chance opportunities into points or gain momentum.
Why the Lobos Controlled the Matchup
Nearly every major statistical category tilted decisively toward New Mexico:
- Points in the paint: UNM 50 – SCU 28
- Fast-break points: UNM 29 – SCU 3
- Field-goal percentage: UNM 60% – SCU 38%
- Bench scoring: UNM 36 – SCU 17
- Game-breaking second-half surge: 12–1 UNM run that blew things open
The Lobos were quicker, tougher, and more efficient. Their defense triggered their offense, and their offense never let Santa Clara breathe.
This was a complete performance—arguably the most complete the Lobos have delivered all season.
A Team on a Rapid Ascent
Saturday wasn’t just a win; it was evidence of a team finding its identity: sharing the ball, playing tough defense, attacking quickly in transition, and trusting the system.
Roles are becoming more defined. Rotations are improving. Communication is getting better. And confidence around The Pit is increasing quickly.
If New Mexico continues on this path, they won’t just be competitive in the Mountain West; it will become one of the toughest teams in the league to beat.
Next Up: A Defining Road Challenge
New Mexico now shifts its focus to a crucial road challenge: Wednesday at VCU, one of the most hostile home environments in the country outside the Mountain West.
UNM leaves Albuquerque with momentum, confidence, and its best performance of the season. Wednesday will show just how high this team’s potential could be.
