Courtesy of UNM Athletics
New Mexico Lobos vs. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the PIT
Mountain West Connection – Game Preview
By Roger A. Holien
The New Mexico Lobos close out their non-conference schedule Sunday afternoon when they host Florida Gulf Coast at The Pit. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. local time, with the game televised on Altitude, streamed for free on the Mountain West Network, and carried live on the Lobo Radio Network.
While the Eagles may not bring power-conference name recognition, this matchup presents a meaningful final test before Mountain
West play begins — one that will challenge New Mexico’s discipline, depth, and defensive consistency.
Game Details
- Matchup: New Mexico (8–2) vs. Florida Gulf Coast (5–5)
- Location: The Pit — Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Time: Sunday, 2:00 p.m. (MT)
- Television: Altitude
- Streaming: Mountain West Network (free)
- Radio: Lobo Radio Network
Team Comparison
New Mexico Lobos
New Mexico enters Sunday’s contest off to one of its strongest starts in recent seasons, particularly at home.
The Lobos are a perfect 6–0 at The Pit and ride a 17-game home winning streak, the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.
UNM is coming off a statement 81–78 road win at VCU, marking its first Quad 1 victory of the season.
Freshman guard Jake Hall led the way with 24 points, continuing his emergence as one of the Lobos’ most reliable scoring options.
Offensively, New Mexico averages 82.1 points per game and has shown increased balance and versatility compared to last season.
On the glass, the Lobos rank fourth in the Mountain West in rebounding, a key component of their physical identity.
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Florida Gulf Coast arrives in Albuquerque at 5–5 overall, including a 1–2 mark in road games and a 2–5 record against teams with winning records.
The Eagles are coming off a one-week break following a narrow 81–76 home loss to Florida Atlantic.
Senior forward J.R. Konieczny leads FGCU in both scoring (17.0 ppg) and rebounding (7.3 rpg), anchoring an Eagles offense that can score efficiently when allowed to control tempo.
This trip represents FGCU’s longest road journey of the season, traveling more than 1,600 miles to Albuquerque.
It is the Eagles’ only out-of-state road game in December and just their second appearance in the Mountain Time Zone, the first since a 2007 game at Arizona State during their inaugural Division I season.
Team Outlook
New Mexico (8–2)
The Lobos enter Sunday riding a five-game winning streak, continuing to show growth as December progresses.
Their win at VCU underscored the team’s growing comfort executing in hostile environments.
Offensively, UNM has multiple players capable of creating their own shots, while defensively the Lobos depend on physicality, disciplined rotations, and rebounding — strengths that are heightened at home.
This game also provides New Mexico with its last chance to refine rotations and build chemistry before Mountain West play starts.
Florida Gulf Coast (5–5)
FGCU is a veteran, well-coached team under head coach Pat Chambers, known for its defensive discipline and preference for half-court battles.
The Eagles aim to wear opponents down by limiting possessions and forcing contested shots late in the clock.
Florida Gulf Coast enters the matchup on a three-game losing streak, with narrow losses to Kennesaw State, FIU, and FAU — all decided by a combined 13 points. Free-throw struggles proved costly during that stretch, as opponents held a +26 advantage at the line.
Slowing New Mexico’s transition game will be a primary focus if the Eagles hope to keep the game within reach.
Players to Watch
New Mexico
- Jake Hall (Freshman, G): Hall has exceeded expectations, recording multiple 20-point performances this season and setting a UNM freshman record in the process. His scoring ability in both transition and half-court sets will be key.
Florida Gulf Coast
- J.R. Konieczny (Senior, F): The Eagles’ leading scorer and rebounder, Konieczny’s ability to stretch the floor and draw fouls makes him the focal point of FGCU’s offense.
- Jordan Ellerbee / Rahmir Barno: Both guards average over 15 points per game, forming a potent scoring trio that challenges defensive discipline.
FGCU enters averaging 85.8 points per game, tops in the Atlantic Sun Conference, presenting a significant test for New Mexico’s defense.
What to Watch For
- Home-court impact: How quickly UNM establishes energy at The Pit could dictate the game’s tone.
- Tempo: FGCU will attempt to slow the pace; UNM thrives when the game speeds up.
- Defensive execution: FGCU’s deliberate style demands patience and discipline.
- Final tune-up: This is New Mexico’s last non-conference opportunity to fine-tune before league play.
Prediction
Florida Gulf Coast’s experience and defensive discipline should keep the game competitive early. Over 40 minutes, however, New Mexico’s depth, momentum, and home-court advantage at The Pit should prove decisive.
Prediction: New Mexico 88, Florida Gulf Coast 68
