A freshman member of the New Mexico Lobos women’s basketball team is the new Mountain West Freshman of the Week honor’s first winner.
According to a UNM issued press release, Viané Cumber delivered an impressive performance in her collegiate debut – the Lobos’ 96-40 victory over Northern New Mexico on Nov. – to the tune of 17 points on 70% shooting.
The 5-foot-10 Cumber, who was recruited out of nearby Sandia High School in Albuquerque, admitted to butterflies in her stomach.
“I was really nervous before the game,” she told the Albuquerque Journal, “but I was excited, too. I had quite a few people here, so this was a pretty good night.”
Cumber didn’t waste time in helping the Lobos.
She registered eight points in the first quarter, drilling two consecutive shots from behind the 3-point arc and capping her mini scoring explosion with a layup, the release said.
Cumber also had four rebounds, an assist and two steals.
The former two-time New Mexico Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year has played in all three of UNM’s games so far this season, averaging at least ten points, two steals, and four boards a contest.
Her first made shot at the collegiate level came in the Lobos’ regular season premiere against Lamar, a 71-54 victory, the release said.
The second member in her family to play basketball for the Lobos – her brother Adam was a former walk-on with the men’s basketball team – Cumber is studying exercise science.
After going perfect at The Pit to start the season, the Lobos (3-0) will travel for the first time, with a visit to Houston to take on the Cougars on Nov. 20 next on the slate.