Bracketology 2023: Complete Bubble Watch before final weekend of regular season
By Joey Loose
New Mexico: 21-10 (8-10 in MWC) NET: 46 (not updated)
When New Mexico got their season off to a 14-0 start, they looked like a certainty for the NCAA Tournament. They were the final unbeaten team this season, and knocked off Saint Mary’s, San Francisco, and SMU all away from home, with that win over the Gaels still looking extremely impressive. Things have not gone the Lobos’ way in conference play, but there might still hope for this team.
Having three Quad 1 wins is great, including another impressive road win against San Diego State. Having a slew of Quad 3 losses is bad, especially with a Quad 4 home loss against Wyoming back in February. Their NET was in the teens back in January, but MWC play has really slapped them in the face. Being below .500 in conference play in a mid-major and still having a chance at an at-large is certainly a surprise, though they didn’t help themselves out by dropping their regular season finale against Colorado State.
Right now, nobody will have New Mexico in the NCAA Tournament and it might take a few impressive wins in the Mountain West Tournament to even push the needle. The Lobos’ best bets are clearly to just win that tournament, but anything short of a trip to the title game will likely see them not considered for the NCAA Tournament field. Things have really come undone in Albuquerque.