UPDATE: The New Mexico Lobos secured a commanding 75-59 victory over the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles on December 17, 2023, but the win comes with serious concerns regarding player health as they prepare for the Mountain West Conference season.
The Lobos, now boasting a record of 9-2 and riding a six-game winning streak, faced a troubling situation as key players exited the game due to injuries. Junior guard Kevin Patton Jr. was absent, dealing with a personal issue, while Chris Howell and Tomislav Buljan were sidelined during the match, raising alarms for the team’s upcoming schedule. Head coach Eric Olen noted the team is currently assessing Howell and Buljan’s conditions, stating, “Neither was able to finish the game, so that’s typically not a good sign.”
The Lobos struggled initially, falling behind 9-0 as the Eagles started hot from beyond the arc. However, they managed to take the lead at halftime, 28-25, and eventually pulled away in the second half, leading by as much as 25 points in front of a crowd of 12,204 at The Pit.
Antonio Chol led the Lobos with 14 points and a tie for the team lead with seven rebounds, while reserves J.T. Rock and Luke Haupt contributed significantly, scoring 10 and 7 points respectively. Rock emphasized the importance of consistency, saying, “I try to be an everyday guy, not get too high or too low and control the things that I can control.”
As the Lobos look ahead, they will open their Mountain West schedule at home against San Jose State on December 23. After that, they have a 10-day break before facing Boise State on December 30. The current injuries to Howell and Buljan cast doubt on the Lobos’ ability to defend their Mountain West regular-season title.
“We feel pretty good about the position we’re in,” Olen said, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “But if you look possession to possession at how we’re playing, we feel like there’s a lot of room for growth.”
The emotional toll of injuries adds pressure as fans hold their breath regarding the health of their key players. Howell, a veteran presence, and Buljan, who was averaging a double-double, are crucial for the Lobos’ success in the upcoming conference battles.
In a related note, the Northern New Mexico men’s basketball team faced a tough matchup against Colorado State, losing 104-54 in a nonconference game. This result underscores the competitive landscape of college basketball as teams prepare for the challenges of conference play.
As the Lobos enter a quiet week focusing on recovery and strategy, the anticipation builds for their Mountain West opener. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team navigates these injuries and if they can find the momentum needed to compete at a high level in the coming weeks.
