New Mexico Pulls Off Upset Win Over VCU in Richmond

Photo Courtesy of UNM Atletics

Lobos Earn First Top-25 Road Victory Since 2023

Mountain West Connection – Postgame Report
By Roger A. Holien

Preview

RICHMOND, Va. – In what may stand as one of the signature victories of the Eric Olen era, New Mexico traveled across the country and stunned VCU 81–78 on Wednesday night inside the always-hostile Siegel Center.

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With the win, the Lobos (8–2) extended their winning streak to five games while handing the Rams (6–4) their first home non-conference loss in two years. It also marked:

UNM’s first true road win in the Eastern Time Zone since the 2012–13 season.

Their first top-50 KenPom non-conference road victory since 2022–23.

In a building known for swallowing visiting teams whole, the Lobos showed poise, toughness, and a level of maturity that separated them from VCU in the moments that mattered most.

Team Outlooks

New Mexico Lobos

New Mexico won this game through resilience. They absorbed VCU’s trademark pressure, survived multiple Ram scoring runs, and produced arguably their most complete road performance of the season.

Olen leaned heavily on his depth and on younger players—particularly freshman standout Jake Hall—who embraced the environment rather than shrinking from it. Defensively, the Lobos were physical, disciplined, and particularly sharp in the final minutes.

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VCU Rams

VCU looked every bit like the aggressive, disruptive force they traditionally are at home. The Rams forced turnovers, ran in transition, and fed off the energy of the Siegel Center crowd. They built several leads and erased a double-digit deficit with a furious 10–0 run late in the second half.

But their final possession fell short, and New Mexico’s late-game execution—especially rebounding and free-throw shooting—sealed the upset.

Game Analysis

VCU stormed out to a 13–6 lead four minutes into the game, but New Mexico quickly found its composure. The Rams rebuilt a nine-point advantage with six minutes left in the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mexico-pulls-off-upset-win-150000484.html

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Publish date : 2025-12-11 15:00:00

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