While Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University and its Aggies, basketball fans in Southern New Mexico also look north to Albuquerque, where the University of New Mexico Lobos continue to make headlines. With a proud tradition and recent postseason success, the Lobos are a team worth following statewide.
Program Achievements
The Lobos’ history stretches back to 1899 and includes 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently in 2025, along with more than 20 National Invitational Tournaments (NIT) invitations. The program has produced professional stars such as Michael Cooper, Luc Longley, Danny Granger, and Kenny Thomas, and has accumulated over 1,600 wins with a winning percentage above .570.
Coaching and Leadership
A new era begins this season with the March 2025 hiring of Eric Olen as head coach, replacing Richard Pitino. Olen brings experience from UC San Diego, where he guided the Tritons into Division I and into the NCAA Tournament. He has rebuilt the Lobos coaching staff with assistants from UCSD and other programs, giving the team a fresh direction following last season’s tournament run.
Recent Success
The 2024–25 season marked the Lobos’ return to March Madness for the first time since 2014. UNM finished 27–8, won the Mountain West regular-season title, and defeated Marquette in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Michigan State in the second round. It was their first tournament win since 2012, cementing their resurgence on the national stage.
The Lobos’ exhibition and non-conference schedule for 2025–26 has been announced, giving fans several key matchups and dates to circle on the calendar. The season opener is an exhibition game on October 30. Then the regular season kicks off on November 5.
Statewide Impact
For fans in Las Cruces, the Lobos offer another opportunity to experience high-level basketball close to home. This year, UNM travels south to face New Mexico State in Las Cruces on November 15, 2025, renewing one of the state’s most intense rivalries. For those willing to make the trip north, The Pit in Albuquerque remains one of the best venues for college basketball.
Cheer on the Lobos From Las Cruces to Albuquerque
For fans in Southern New Mexico, the 2025–26 season is the perfect time to connect with Lobo basketball. The Rio Grande Rivalry brings UNM to Las Cruces on November 15, giving locals a chance to see the Lobos compete close to home. And for those ready to head north, The Pit in Albuquerque offers one of the loudest, most exciting college basketball experiences in the nation.
Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Lobos this season. Get your tickets, wear the cherry and silver, and feel the energy of The Pit!
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Posted by LasCruces.com
