NCAA Basketball: UConn, Iowa State, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
23. New Mexico (26-9)
Trouble in recent weeks put New Mexico squarely on the bubble, and on the wrong side of it according to some people. The Lobos got off to a great start this season and in MWC play, but had lost six of their last ten in the regular season, including a resume anchor against Air Force. These issues took care of themselves this week at the MWC Tournament.
Relegated to the opening round, the Lobos won 82-56 in getting revenge over Air Force, with 18 points and 11 rebounds from JT Toppin. Thursday’s quarterfinal saw an impressive 76-66 win against Boise State led by Jaelen House’s 29-point effort. The semifinal was prosperous as well, with the Lobos winning 74-61 over Colorado State, with another nice effort from House (19 points) and the rest of the lineup. In the MWC championship, New Mexico used a late push to win 68-61 against San Diego State, with a heroic 28 points from Houston and 21 out of Jamal Mashburn Jr.
No sweating will be required in Albuquerque after the Lobos won four games in four days to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Lobos were the 6-seed in the MWC but played like champions throughout the event in Las Vegas. They’re heading into March Madness as a much hotter team than a few weeks again and could cause significant problems for their opposition this next week.