Legendary coach Rick Pitino notched his first regular-season victory at the University of New Mexico this week, leading the host Lobos to a 99-92 win over Florida Atlantic University.
Junior point guard Jalen House led the way for New Mexico, netting a game-high 30 points in energizing the crowd in The Pit.
“I think he is going to be a Lobo favorite, I really do,” Pitino told KRQE.com. “I mean, he plays so hard, he plays with such confidence and energy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is going to get a lot of standing ovations.”
In the end, five Lobos scored in double figures, with Jay Allen Tovar and Gethro Muscadin finishing with 18 each, while Jamal Mashburn Jr. added 14 and K.J. Jenkins collected 10. On the night, the Lobos shot 53% — just over 52% from behind the arc — to help offset a 42-24 rebounding disadvantage.
“I think the crowd helped a lot,” House added. “I mean there was a point in the game where we were down and we got on a run and the crowd started getting us more into it.”
The Lobos face Colorado on the road tonight at 4:30 p.m.