Who’s Playing
Utah Valley @ New Mexico
Regular Season Records: Utah Valley 25-8; New Mexico 22-11
What to Know
The New Mexico Lobos and the Utah Valley Wolverines are set to clash at 10 p.m. ET March 15 at The Pit in the first round of the NIT. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.
The game between the Lobos and the Utah State Aggies this past Thursday was not a total blowout, but with New Mexico falling 91-76, it was darn close to turning into one. New Mexico’s loss shouldn’t obscure the performances of forward Josiah Allick, who had 14 points along with eight rebounds and three blocks, and forward Morris Udeze, who posted a double-double on 16 points and 11 boards.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines were just a bucket shy of a win this past Friday and fell 89-88 to the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Five players on Utah Valley scored in the double digits: guard Trey Woodbury (29), forward Tim Fuller (14), guard Justin Harmon (13), guard Le’Tre Darthard (12), and center Aziz Bandaogo (12). Aziz Bandaogo has also now had at least three blocks in his past three games.
Two stats to keep an eye on: New Mexico comes into the matchup boasting the 15th highest field goal percentage in college basketball at 48.40%. But Utah Valley have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 38.90%, which places them sixth in college basketball. These opposing strengths should make for an exciting matchup.
How To Watch
- When: Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET
- Where: The Pit — Albuquerque, New Mexico
- TV: ESPN Plus
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last eight years.
