photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Game Preview – March 4, 2026
Game Details
- Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. MST
- Venue: The Pit (University Arena) – Albuquerque, NM
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Radio: Lobo Radio Network (Rob Portnoy, Hunter Greene)
Previous Meeting (2025–26 Season)
The final stretch of the Mountain West season heats up Wednesday night as the New Mexico Lobos host the Colorado State Rams inside The Pit. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MST on CBS Sports Network in a game with clear postseason implications.
New Mexico (22–7, 13–5 MW) is chasing an NCAA Tournament berth but is still trying to avoid bubble volatility.
Colorado State (19–10, 10–8 MW) is aiming
for a crucial road victory that could enhance its conference standing and overall résumé. New Mexico’s control of the tempo and rebounding was the key difference in that game.
These two teams faced off earlier this season on January 6 at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, where the New Mexico Lobos took the lead in the second half to beat the Colorado State Rams 80–70.
Now, Colorado State aims to even the season series, while the Lobos seek to sweep the Rams at home to help boost their resume coming into the end of the season.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Current Standings & Outlook
- New Mexico: 22–7 overall (13–5 Mountain West)
- Colorado State: 19–10 overall (10–8 Mountain West)
- KenPom Projection: New Mexico favored by 9 points
With just weeks left before Selection Sunday, both teams have a lot at stake. New Mexico is striving to secure its NCAA Tournament berth, while Colorado State aims to enhance its postseason prospects and finish conference play on a strong note.
Current NET Rankings
- New Mexico: ~No. 45
- Colorado State: ~No. 88
The Lobos are on the NCAA Tournament bubble, so every game counts. A home win would keep them out of the “Last Four In” zone. For the Rams, an upset would boost their résumé and secure a key Quad win.
Overview
Colorado State heads south to Albuquerque for a crucial Mountain West game in one of college basketball’s most exciting arenas, promising what should be a really great basketball game.
New Mexico averages over 80 points per game and boasts one of the league’s most explosive offenses. The Lobos thrive in transition, spreading the floor and boosting the tempo.
Colorado State has shown strong perimeter shooting and dependable half-court execution but has struggled with consistency in conference games.
With postseason berths at stake, this game already feels like March.
Stats from last 10 games
The Lobos score an average of 80.4 points, grab 32.9 rebounds, dish out 14.3 assists, tally 6.1 steals, and block 2.8 shots per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field. They give up an average of 73.7 points to opponents.
The Rams are averaging 73.6 points, 28.9 rebounds, 15.6 assists, 4.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.4 percent from the field. They also hold opponents to an average of 70.8 points.
Players to Watch
New Mexico Lobos
Jake Hall (G) – 15.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 APG
Hall is UNM’s most dependable scorer. He drives off the dribble, stretches defenses with his efficient shooting, and often sets the tone early in the game.
Tomislav Buljan (F) – 12.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG. Buljan controls the paint. His rebounding and physical play create second-chance points and help UNM dominate inside. 6 STL.
Deyton Albury (G) – 11.2 PPG, 3.3 APG
The Lobos’ floor general. Albury controls the pace, passes effectively, and keeps the offense flowing smoothly in both transition and half-court sets.
Luke Haupt (G) – 7.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.0 APG. At 6’7”, Haupt provides versatility. His height helps him rebound effectively from the perimeter, and he also serves as a secondary ball-handler and a key part of UNM’s spacing-oriented offense.
Why It Matters:
Balance is New Mexico’s strength. When Hall scores efficiently, and Buljan controls the boards, the Lobos are hard to beat, especially on their home court.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Colorado State Rams
Kyle Jorgensen (F) – 12.4 PPG
A stretch forward who spaces the floor and is CSU’s primary scoring threat.
Brandon Rechsteiner (G) – Key perimeter scorer. Capable of explosive scoring nights, especially from beyond the arc.
Carey Booth (F) – 5.9 RPG
Booth needs to be physical inside to stop Buljan and reduce second-chance points.
Jevin Muniz (G) – 4.5 APG The Rams’ primary playmaker. The team’s ball security and offensive rhythm depend greatly on his decisions.
Why It Matters:
Colorado State needs accurate perimeter shooting and disciplined execution. If Jorgensen and Rechsteiner find their rhythm while Booth dominates on the glass, the Rams can stay in this game.
What Decides the Game?
Tempo
New Mexico prefers to speed up the game. When the Lobos push in transition, they create mismatches and force opponents into scramble defense. Colorado State’s best chance is to grind out possessions, force half-court sets, and keep the game in the 60s or low 70s.
Rebounding Margin
UNM’s ability to create more possessions often changes the outcome of games. If Buljan and Haupt control the defensive rebounds, it reduces CSU’s margin for error.
Turnover Differential
The Lobos turn live-ball turnovers into quick points. The Rams can’t afford careless possessions in a hostile road setting.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Prediction
For New Mexico, this is more than just another conference game — it’s a chance to erase doubt. Protect home court, maintain a top 50 NET ranking, and demonstrate they belong comfortably in the NCAA Tournament field rather than stressing about Selection Sunday.
For Colorado State, it’s a must-win game. Winning on the road at The Pit would improve its résumé, strengthen the Mountain West race, and give a huge boost of momentum heading into the final stretch.
This is what late-season basketball in the Mountain West entails: urgency, physicality, and postseason stakes packed into 40 minutes.
And when the lights shine inside The Pit on Wednesday night, it won’t just feel like another game — it will feel like March.
New Mexico’s strong offense, rebounding, and home-court advantage at The Pit give them an edge. Expect Hall and Buljan to take control early, while Colorado State tries to respond with perimeter shooting and solid defense.
Projected Score:
New Mexico 85, Colorado State 71
A win would boost the Lobos’ tournament résumé, while an upset by the Rams would shake up Mountain West standings as the season winds down.
