The men’s basketball team will be hitting the road for Albuquerque to face New Mexico University on Wednesday.
The Wildcats head into the game with a 3-2 record after beating Howard Payne University on Sunday with a 71-55 score.
Meanwhile, the Lobos are coming off of a 64-57 loss to Dayton University which dropped their record down to 4-2.
“Our upcoming game is a really big opportunity for this team, the coaching staff and the university,” said junior guard Isaiah Tripp. “Just like all games, this is one we can win and in order to do so we have to contain their two best players and be solid 1-5, starting in the defensive end.”
Sophomore guard Jaylen Franklin was injured in the game against Oklahoma Friday and will be a game time decision against New Mexico.
Sophomore guard/forward Jaren Lewis leads the team in scoring with 13.2 points per game after scoring 15 against Howard Payne. Lewis also leads the team in rebounds per game with 7.8 while senior guard Jovan Crnic leads the team in assists with 15 total through five games.
“On the offensive end, we have to take care of the ball, play smart and take the best shot available at any given time,” Tripp said.
For the Lobos, senior forward Tim Williams leads his team in scoring with an impressive 20.8 points per game. Williams also leads the team with eight rebounds per game while junior guard leads in assists per game with 3.5.
“We enjoy playing on the road because that’s just who we are as a group,” Crnic said. We are not backing up from anybody and are always motivated when playing in front of opposing team’s fans.”
The game will be set to tip off at 7 P.M. in New Mexico (8 P.M. central time). It will be broadcast on the radio on 98.1 FM and aired live on Root Sports.
“The game against New Mexico is going to be a great experience and even though Jay Frank will be most likely out for the game we won’t be afraid to attack them on both ends of the floor from the jump,” Crnic.
Wednesday’s game is being played to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Pit, when ACU fell to New Mexico 62-53.
