NCAA Basketball: Ranking the final 10 unbeaten teams for 2022-23 season
By Joey Loose
10. New Mexico
The Lobos are thriving at last under the leadership of Richard Pitino, as the former Minnesota coach continues his second season in Albuquerque. New Mexico’s 8-0 start has seen them play solid basketball, even if not against the toughest schedule in the world.
After early home wins over decent Southern Utah and South Alabama squads, New Mexico’s two best victories have both come on the road, getting a 21-point win at SMU on November 15th and scoring a very impressive road win against Saint Mary’s one week ago. The Lobos got their eighth win over a non-D1 opponent and currently sit around the 250 mark in strength of schedule.
The three-headed monster of Morris Udeze, Jaelen House, and Jamal Mashburn has been fantastic, as all three are averaging at least 15 points per game. This team won just 13 games last season but returned much of that talent and is clearly developing something special here. The defensive play of the Lobos is going to be important, especially when Mountain West play begins in a few weeks, but they’ve had a few solid games already on that end of the court.
Looking ahead, the Lobos have a few tricky nonconference games in the coming week, including a matchup with San Francisco next week before a home date with Iona, led by Pitino’s Hall of Fame father Rick. It’s very possible that New Mexico remains unbeaten until a road trip to Wyoming and Fresno State, with two very real chances for a loss in hostile road environments. For now, New Mexico is definitely enjoying the ride after some rough seasons in the recent past.