The University of New Mexico Lobos gave their fans
a sweet
Christmas present this week when the Lobos destroyed the New Mexico State
Aggies 76-62
Truth
be told the game wasn’t that close as the Lobos toyed
with their bitter rivals. Defeating them not only on the scoreboard,
but they out
rebounded the Aggies who have some size themselves in Hamidu Rahman and
Wendell McKines who filled the lane plenty of times. But you can’t outweigh
desire and
that is the way the Lobos went at the glass led by Roman Martinez’s 9
and
Daniel Faris’ 8.
Speaking of Roman Martinez. I know it is early but this
young man has really established himself as a force and leader on this
Lobo
basketball team. His game has really come around, as he is no longer
just a
shooter, Martinez has really become a well-rounded basketball player
both on
the offensive and defensive side of the ball. For the record Roman
finished the
night with 15 points 9 boards, 4 assists and a pair of steals.
Earlier this year Coach Alford really challenged his seniors
to step up and become leaders, this writer was one of those that felt
maybe
Coach Alford should have just put the onus on his talented freshmen
crew as
perhaps the Lobo seniors would never become the leaders Coach Alford
was
looking for. I will have to say, I was flat out wrong as Chad Toppert,
Daniel
Faris, and Tony Danridge have really stepped up their game.
Vs.
NMSU Tony Danridge put on another dunking clinic as he
caught fire, around the hoop… Tony D also found his outside stroke
knocking
down a pair of clutch 3-point shots.
Speaking of clutch 3-point shots. I don’t know about anyone
else but we knew Chad Toppert could knock down threes. He has that
outside
stroke that is money no doubt, but I’ve noticed this entire season and
especially vs. the Aggies that Chad like Roman have become an all
around
basketball player. He obviously will never be known as a penetrating
guard, but
he has the ability to keep a defender honest if they give him the lane,
his
defense has been good, and his rebounding has been nails.
When
you mention rebounding on this Lobo team you can’t
forget the big fella Daniel Faris. While offensively he didn’t have his
best
game, he was very active down low battling Rahman for boards and
position. Faris
also had a clutch block late in the game to help keep the Lobos on top.
Freshmen star Phillip McDonald has really started to hit his
stride as he is really starting to look like a D-I player. Not that he
didn’t
before, but his game is starting to come to him. Look for him to get
better.
With
all these “stars” scoring in double figures, I would
have to say the MVL (Most Valuable Lobo) vs. the New Mexico State
Aggies had to
be Freshmen PG Nate Garth. Don’t look at Nate’s stats as they weren’t
spectacular (4 points 1 board)… If you see that, you think just a ho
hum game
from the freshmen, but you would be wrong
Nate
saw some serious extended time as Dairese Gary was in
foul trouble the entire night, leaving the Lobo game plan to the frosh
Garth,
and Nate stepped it up securing quite possibly the most important stat
of the
night. 5 assists 1 turnover! Mr. Garth took care of the ball
and
controlled the tempo for this Lobo team to earn a big victory. So
congratulations on being named MVL Nate!