Smarting from their 87-76 loss to Colorado, the New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team took their frustrations out on a winless Grambling State at The Pit on Nov. 15.
New UNM head coach Richard Pitino’s program had five players score in double digits in the 86-61 victory over the Tigers, a school issued press release said.
The Lobos hover above .500 again at 2-1 while Grambling falls to 0-3.
Pitino, whose legendary father holds the same position at Iona, considered the third game of the young season the hardest.
“I told our guys, going into the game, that this will be the hardest game you have played all year,” he said in the release. “You play FAU on opening night and there is going to be emotion and excitement. You play Colorado on the road, a Pac-12 school, packed house, and you are going to be fired up. It is human nature when you see Grambling State, and that’s no disrespect to them, they are a great team that is talented and well-coached, to take your foot off the gas. I was proud of the way we really revved it up in the second half. A 25-point win is great, but there is a lot to learn from this as we get ready for a huge game on Saturday against a terrific team in Montana State.”
Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House combined for 36 points to lead all Lobos scorers.
House gave the visitors fits defensively, notching eight thefts on the night.
Javonté Johnson, who hails from Colorado, chipped in 16 points and ten boards to record his first collegiate double-double.
UNM’s other double-digit scorers were Taryn Todd with 16 points and Gethro Muscadin with 12 points. The Lobos shot the ball better than Grambling from the field, 45.6% vs. 35.5%, and at the charity stripe 82% vs. 70%.