New Mexico Escapes Upset Bid To Defeat Air Force, 75-69

New Mexico was just trying to doing their best to copy the Big East with an early exit as a favorite in today's first quarterfinal in the Mountain West tournament.  The Lobos were in a tussle the entire game against an Air Force team that had only 10 wins coming into the game.  Air Force never lead by more then a point and that was very early in the game, but anytime when the Lobos seemed to put the game out of the reach the Falcons would get back within a few points. 

Good thing conference player of the year Darrington Hobson and Dairese Gary showed up today, because these were the only two players to score in double digits.  Hobbson lead all scorers with 28 points and 15 rebounds, while Gary ended up with 20 points for the Lobos.

There is something to be said about the Falcons three point defense as they held Wyoming to 2 of 18 in yesterdays win, and today they held the Lobos to a putrid 6 of 21 from three point range.  The Lobos made up in their lack of three point shooting by 25 for 30 from the free throw line while the Falcons were 8 of 12, and that is the reason New Mexico won.

The Lobos seem to play down to their competition as they ended the season with close wins over the bottom of the Mountain West, and if they have a performance like this tomorrow the Lobos will be headed for an early exit.

Click here for the complete tournament schedule.