ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The University of New Mexico Lobos delivered a commanding performance Tuesday night, routing the visiting Grand Canyon Antelopes (GCU Lopes) with an 87-64 victory at the iconic University Arena, affectionately known as 'The Pit.' The Mountain West showdown marked the first meeting between the two schools since GCU joined the conference this season, and the Lobos made a definitive statement in front of a passionate crowd of 12,512.
Lobos Leverage Home Court Advantage in Rout
Freshman sensation Jake Hall was the catalyst for the Lobos, pouring in a game-high 22 points. His offensive prowess, combined with a relentless defensive effort, proved too much for the Lopes to handle, particularly as the game wore on.
UNM Coach Eric Olen highlighted the importance of the home environment following the win. "I thought the crowd was awesome," Olen stated. "We talked about it at halftime — this place wears people down, and we just wanted to keep playing the game." The victory extended UNM's impressive home win streak to 21 consecutive games, currently tied for the fifth-longest active streak in NCAA Division I men's basketball.
Physical First Half Gives Way to UNM Surge
The opening 20 minutes were characterized by intense physicality, resulting in limited foul calls—only nine combined free throw attempts were recorded before the break. GCU managed to keep the contest tight, trailing by only five points, 38-33, thanks to a late first-half buzzer-beater three-pointer from UNM’s Uriah Tenette.
The physical nature of the game escalated after halftime. When GCU's Brian Moore, Jr. tied the score at 40-40 early in the second half, the intensity ratcheted up. However, the Lobos responded by leaning on their depth and home-court energy. Five different UNM players finished the night scoring in double figures, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that GCU struggled to contain.
Frustration Boils Over for Grand Canyon
As the deficit grew, frustration mounted on the Grand Canyon sideline. By the 10:51 mark, with UNM leading 59-49, Lopes Head Coach Bryce Drew reached a boiling point regarding the officiating. Drew earned a technical foul from referee Kevin Brill.
The situation quickly deteriorated. As Drew continued to voice his concerns on the court, Brill assessed a second technical foul moments later, leading to Drew’s ejection from The Pit. The decision was met with a cascade of boos from the home crowd as the coach exited toward the locker room.
In his postgame radio appearance, Drew acknowledged the fight in his team but expressed surprise at the severity of the penalty. "I was proud of our guys. They fought. First 30 minutes of the second half, we fought... I definitely wanted the first technical. The second one, I was very surprised, just to be flat honest, very surprised and shocked that I'd get a second one," Drew commented.
Statistical Dominance in Albuquerque
Beyond the scoring, UNM asserted control on the glass, outrebounding the Lopes 38-29. This rebounding advantage helped fuel second-chance opportunities and limited GCU’s offensive possessions. The Lobos’ record now stands at 14-3 overall and 5-1 in the Mountain West standings, positioning them strongly within the conference race.
Grand Canyon, now 10-6 (3-2 MW), will look to regroup after this challenging road trip. While the team demonstrated grit, particularly in the first half, they could not match the sustained offensive power and defensive pressure exerted by the Lobos in the energized atmosphere of The Pit.
Looking Ahead for Grand Canyon University Athletics
Grand Canyon University, located in Phoenix, Arizona, continues to build its profile as a competitive NCAA Division I program, especially since joining the Mountain West Conference. While the recent loss was decisive, performances like the first half against UNM suggest the Lopes possess the capability to compete against top-tier conference opponents.
For fans tracking GCU sports, this matchup serves as a benchmark for the level of play required in the Mountain West. The team will now focus on translating their competitive energy into more consistent results, particularly on the road against conference rivals. The focus remains on development and climbing the Mountain West ladder as the season progresses.
The Lobos, meanwhile, celebrate a significant home win that bolsters their conference standing and maintains the electric atmosphere that defines basketball in Albuquerque.
