New UNM women’s basketball coach Amy Eagan wasted no time beginning her roster rebuild, securing four players for 2026–27, including standout freshman Laila Abdurraqib and freshman guard Valerie Norwood who will follow her from Lindenwood. Meanwhile, former Eldorado standout Bella Hines entered the transfer portal, drawing local interest but likely commanding a high NIL price. On the men’s side, UNM has had a quiet stretch, adding just two players while reportedly targeting Penn State’s Eli Rice and Troy’s Victor Valdes as the staff looks to add size, athleticism, and depth through the portal.

The opening day of the NCAA transfer portal brought a mix of stability, uncertainty, and optimism for New Mexico men’s basketball. The Lobos secured the return of freshman guard Uriah Tenette, who emerged as a key playmaker and late-season breakout after stepping into a larger role. Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall also provided encouraging signs he may remain in Albuquerque, signaling that UNM could retain its promising young backcourt. However, potential departures and roster turnover leave significant work ahead. With multiple holes to fill, the Lobos must build around Tenette and Hall by adding size, shooting, and depth.

Benjamin Schuch brings size, versatility, and international experience to UNM men's basketball as the program begins to reshape its roster. The 6-foot-9 Austrian guard/forward has shown playmaking ability at both the club and national levels, highlighted by a clutch performance in FIBA World Cup qualifying round. His length could help address UNM’s defensive shortcomings, particularly around the rim. Still, with major frontcourt departures of Tomislav Buljan and JT Rock, questions remain about rebounding, physicality, and shooting consistency outside of Jake Hall as the Lobos continue to rebuild through the transfer portal or with players from overseas.

INDIANAPOLIS, IA—New Mexico’s season came to a disappointing end with a 74–69 loss to Tulsa in the NIT semifinals, as defensive lapses and cold shooting proved too much to overcome. The Lobos struggled to contest Tulsa’s early three-point barrage and never fully adjusted, while shooting just 7-of-33 from deep themselves. Despite a strong second half from Jake Hall and a brief comeback to tie the game, UNM faltered late as Tulsa closed on a decisive 8-0 run that would be the difference in the game. The loss not only ended the Lobos’ postseason run but also raised questions about roster decisions, player futures, and the program’s direction moving forward.

INDIANAPOLIS, IA—UNM men’s basketball will take on Tulsa in the NIT semifinal at Hinkle Fieldhouse with a trip to the championship on the line. The Golden Hurricane (29-7) bring one of the nation’s top offenses, averaging nearly 85 points per game behind elite three-point shooting. For the Lobos, success will hinge on limiting clean perimeter looks and disrupting Tulsa’s rhythm with defensive pressure. Offensively, UNM can exploit Tulsa’s lack of rim protection by attacking the paint. If the Lobos control tempo and win inside, they’ll have a strong chance to advance.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—In their final game at the Pit this season, UNM rallied from a two-point halftime deficit to defeat St. Joseph’s 84–69 in the NIT quarterfinal. Tomislav Buljan led the Lobos with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jake Hall added 24 points and set the Mountain West freshman scoring record. After struggling offensively in the first half, UNM attacked the basket and dominated the free throw line in the second, going 18-of-22. St. Joseph’s cooled off from three-point range after halftime, helping UNM pull away. The Lobos now advance to face Tulsa in the NIT semifinal in Indianapolis.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Shorthanded but unfazed, UNM men’s basketball delivered another dominating NIT performance in an 86-61 win over George Washington to advance to the NIT Quarterfinal. Without starting guard Deyton Albury and with Antonio Chol playing through injury, the Lobos leaned on depth, defense, and a dominant second-half surge to take control. Jake Hall sparked a decisive 10-0 run, while freshman Uriah Tenette continued his steady rise at point guard to finish with 15 points, six assists and no turnovers. Now, UNM turns its attention to St. Joesph’s, who came back from 19-point deficit at Cal and won 76-75. Tipoff is at 7 pm MT and the game will air on ESPN 2.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—UNM opened its NIT run in dominant fashion, rolling past Sam Houston 107–83 at the Pit in front of 7,286 fans. The Lobos showcased a complete performance, using defensive pressure to fuel a fast-paced offense that scored 26 fastbreak points and eclipsed 100 points with still four and a half minutes to play. Tomislav Buljan led the way with a 22 point and 10 rebound double-double, while Uriah Tenette added a career-high 20 points. UNM controlled the game from the start, building a double-digit lead early and pulling away with a decisive second-half run. With the win, the Lobos advance to face George Washington in the second round of the NIT on Sunday.

New Mexico’s postseason continues Wednesday night as the Lobos host Sam Houston in the first round of the NIT at the Pit. UNM earned one of four No. 1 seeds in the 32-team tournament after falling short of an NCAA Tournament bid. The Bearkats bring an up-tempo offense that averages 82 points per game and shoots nearly 40 percent from three-point range, while also ranking among the nation’s top offensive rebounding teams. Sam Houston finished second in Conference USA and has won six of its last nine games. The Lobos could host a second-round game Sunday with a win if scheduling allows.

LAS VEGAS, NV—Heartbreak in Las Vegas: Free Throw Woes and Missed Layups Doomed the Lobos

Basketball is often a game of inches, but for the University of New Mexico, it was a game of missed opportunities at the stripe and the rim. Despite a heroic 20-point performance from Deyton Albury, the Lobos’ Mountain West Tournament run came to a screeching halt in a 64–62 semi-final loss to San Diego State.

In a contest decided by a single possession, UNM’s inability to capitalize on the "easy" shots proved fatal. The Lobos left 13 points at the free-throw line, shooting a season-low 53.6%, and struggled to finish through the Aztecs' length, converting only 9-of-26 layups. While Albury’s late-game surge tied the score in the final minute, history repeated itself as SDSU’s BJ Davis buried yet another game-winner, mirroring his late-game heroics from earlier this season.

LAS VEGAS, NV—Aggies Smother Wolf Pack to Secure Title Berth. Utah State doesn’t just play downhill, they play like an avalanche. After a gritty first half left the Aggies clinging to a 39-32 lead, the air in the arena shifted. What followed wasn’t just a scoring run; it was a defensive masterclass. Utah State unleashed a relentless blitz to open the second period, forcing eight quick turnovers and fueling a decisive 18-5 run that turned a contest into a coronation. As the lead swelled, the deafening chants of “Up by 20” from The Hurd served as the funeral march for Nevada’s season.

LAS VEGAS, NV—New Mexico Lobos men's basketball advanced to the Mountain West Tournament semifinals with a 93–77 win over the San Jose State Spartans men's basketball, using a dominant second half to pull away. San Jose State stayed close early behind hot three-point shooting from guard Colby Garland and Jermaine Washington, but the Spartans faded as the game wore on after a physically demanding opening-round win the night before. New Mexico turned up its defensive pressure after halftime and controlled the paint, outscoring San Jose State 56–24 inside. Tomislav Buljan led the Lobos with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Jake Hall added 19 points. New Mexico will face San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball in the semifinals.

A Marathon in the Mountain West: Wolfpack Survives Whistle-Heavy Thriller

In a Mountain West Quarterfinal defined by 51 fouls and a relentless parade to the free-throw line, Nevada outlasted Grand Canyon 84-80 in a physical slugfest at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Despite trailing by as many as 12 points and facing a sea of purple "Havocs" fans, the Wolfpack clawed back behind a masterful performance from Corey Camper Jr., whose 27 points sparked a decisive second-half surge. While the Lopes found success early from deep, Nevada’s defensive adjustments and late-game poise proved to be the difference-maker.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—UNM men’s basketball missed a major opportunity to secure a chance at the outright Mountain West regular season title with an 82–74 loss to Colorado State on senior night at the Pit. The Lobos struggled defensively early, allowing the Rams to shoot 62% from the field while building a 19-point lead. UNM forced 20 turnovers and mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to four in the final minute, but Colorado State sealed the game at the free throw line. The loss leaves UNM still in second place in the conference standings and needing a win against Utah State to earn at least a share of the Mountain West title.

The Final Word

The road through the Mountain West has never been more unpredictable, but the Lobos have spent all season proving they belong in the conversation. From the wreckage of an emptied roster to the emergence of a freshman phenom in Jake Hall, New Mexico has already defied the skeptics.

Now, the stakes are simple: tighten the defense, balance the scoring, and embrace the "next man up" mentality that has defined the Eric Olen era.

In a conference that is about to change forever, the Lobos have one final chance to leave their mark on the "Pit West." The bracket is set, the chips are down, and for this gritty squad, the real season starts now.

The margin between a Mountain West championship and a nervous flight to Las Vegas is often measured in inches, but on Saturday afternoon at the Spectrum, it was measured in free throws and paint points.

Despite a historic, 32-point masterpiece from freshman phenom Jake Hall, who shattered a 30-year-old school scoring record in the process, the University of New Mexico couldn't withstand a relentless Utah State assault. In a 94-90 thriller that lived up to the hype but delivered a knockout blow to the Lobos’ at-large hopes, New Mexico saw both a share of the conference title and their NCAA Tournament at-large chances slip through their fingers.

For the first time in nearly four decades, the University of New Mexico isn't looking for a savior from a map—they found him right here at home.

The era of the "stepping-stone" director is over. In Ryan Berryman, the Lobos haven't just hired a resume; they’ve elevated a 32-year-old alum who once hauled water as a basketball manager and now carries the future of the department on his shoulders. From securing multi-million dollar naming rights for The Pit to fast-tracking stadium renovations, Berryman is proving that when you love a place, you don't just maintain it—you build it.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—UNM men’s basketball missed a major opportunity to secure a chance at the outright Mountain West regular season title with an 82–74 loss to Colorado State on senior night at the Pit. The Lobos struggled defensively early, allowing the Rams to shoot 62% from the field while building a 19-point lead. UNM forced 20 turnovers and mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to four in the final minute, but Colorado State sealed the game at the free throw line. The loss leaves UNM still in second place in the conference standings and needing a win against Utah State to earn at least a share of the Mountain West title.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—A critical Mountain West showdown awaits as the New Mexico Lobos host the red-hot Colorado State Rams at The Pit. With a share of the Mountain West Conference regular-season title still within reach, UNM must stay locked in against a CSU team riding a seven-game winning streak. The Rams are powered by elite ball movement and the sizzling 3-point shooting of Brendon Rechsteiner, who has caught fire from beyond the arc. For the Lobos, the formula is simple: defend the perimeter, apply pressure and protect their home floor to keep championship hopes alive.