Shorthanded New Mexico rallied with five players scoring at least 14 points led by 21 from Corey Manigault as the Lobos beat Houston Baptist 107-88
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Shorthanded New Mexico rallied with five players scoring at least 14 points led by 21 from Corey Manigault on Sunday as the Lobos beat Houston Baptist 107-88.
New Mexico was missing starters Carlton Bragg and J.J. Caldwell, who were both “being withheld from competition and team activity until further notice,” according to a statement school officials released prior to the game. No additional details were released other than the school, “received information that requires further review.”
Zane Martin, Makuach Maluach and JaQuan Lyle each added 19 for the Lobos (12-2).
The Huskies (0-10) were led by a career-high 30 from Jalon Gates and Ian DuBose added 16.
Although the Lobos (12-2) played well offensively, the defense was sketchy, especially in the first half.
The Huskies were knocking down shots in the first half, shooting at a 63% rate from the field and hit eight 3-pointers. They used an 8-0 run stretched around halftime to take a 52-46 lead.
But New Mexico regained the momentum shortly thereafter with a game-changing 26-2 run to go up 72-58 and cruised from there.
BIG PICTURE
Houston Baptist: With a rugged non-Southland Conference schedule, the Huskies are well-tested after the third-most difficult schedule that included games against Texas Tech, Michigan and Dayton.
New Mexico: The big question moving forward for the Lobos centers on the ultimate return of Bragg and Caldwell. New Mexico probably will be able to cover their absence over the next several games, including the resumption of the Mountain West slate. Fortunately for the Lobos, they start that conference stretch against struggling squads San José State, Fresno State and Air Force.
UP NEXT
Houston Baptist: The Huskies resume conference play Jan. 2 against Central Arkansas.
New Mexico: The Lobos finish their non-conference scheduled Dec. 29 against Cal-Davis.
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