Analysis: The Lobos enter play tonight a perfect 8-0 on the season but they have played just twice on opponent courts. They won at New Mexico State and Hawaii, two teams likely to have long seasons. New Mexico won at San Diego last season by 3 points while holding the host to only 27% shooting. That was a veteran Lobo squad as compared to this seasons young guns. Overall 8 of the 11 players on the roster are underclassmen. They have yet to take on a quality opponent away from home.
San Diego has played a very tough schedule with most of the games coming away from home. Despite a 4-5 record they have played well when stepping up in class. The Toreros have beaten Stanford, Oklahoma and Houston thus far and have the guard play to give the Lobos fits. Off an embarrassing performance at Fresno State we know the host will be fully focused here.
New Mexico is cruising right now but they haven't proven anything on the road. With a huge game against Texas A&M on deck we can't see them getting up to play a team they beat a season ago. Look for the Toreros to give it their all tonight as this one goes to the wire.
753/754 Buffalo at Niagara
The Bulls are coming off an embarrassing defensive performance when they let Purdue reach triple figures in a 101-65 defeat. This is a team that rebounds the ball well and plays quality defense. You can be sure Reggie Witherspoon and his coaching staff have preached defense this week in practice. Buffalo is a deep team with nine players seeing double digit minutes which means fresh legs on the defensive end of the court. It's also a veteran club with four of the top minute producers being seniors.
Niagara is playing their third straight home game. They held the previous two opponents to just 57 and 64 points. The Purple Eagles rank in the top 50 in the country defending the three and they are in the top 70 overall defensively. Like the Bulls they are an upperclass heavy lineup with their top four producers being veterans.
This regional game is key in the recruiting wars as both programs look to tap the strong northeast market. Therefore this game has more importance than most non-conference games. Last years meeting saw just 126 points scored as neither team surpassed the 35% field goal mark. We look for another low scoring game as the defenses rule the night.
Bryan Leonard 12/9
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