BREAKING: The New Mexico Lobos defeated the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 75-59 Sunday afternoon, wrapping up their nonconference schedule with a sixth consecutive victory. However, the win came with significant concerns regarding player injuries as they prepare for the Mountain West Conference season.
At The Pit in Albuquerque, more than 12,204 fans witnessed the Lobos struggle early, falling behind 9-0 as FGCU opened with six consecutive three-pointers. Despite the shaky start, New Mexico rallied to take a 28-25 lead by halftime.
In a concerning turn, junior guard Kevin Patton Jr. was absent, reportedly dealing with a personal situation. Head coach Eric Olen confirmed that Patton’s leave from the team is being handled with care but provided no further details. The injury woes deepened as key players Chris Howell and Tomislav Buljan both left the game due to injuries. Buljan limped off with 1:57 remaining in the game, while Howell exited earlier, never returning to the court.
“We’re assessing the situation and will make determinations later,” Olen stated, conveying concern over the health of his starters. The absence of Howell, who has been a stabilizing force for the team, and Buljan, who was averaging a double-double prior to the game, raises questions about the Lobos’ readiness as they head into conference play.
Despite the injuries, New Mexico managed to extend their lead in the second half, showcasing depth with strong performances from reserves. Antonio Chol led the Lobos with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while J.T. Rock added 10 points and 7 rebounds. The team also executed a rare seven-point possession, pushing their advantage to as much as 25 points.
As they shift focus to the Mountain West schedule, the Lobos will host San Jose State on December 23, 2023. After a brief break, they will head to Boise State on December 30, 2023. With the conference season upon them, fans are left to wonder if the team can defend its title amid these injury setbacks.
While the victory was crucial, the health status of Howell and Buljan remains uncertain, creating an atmosphere of unease as the Lobos prepare for the challenges ahead.
The team’s next game promises to be pivotal, and with finals concluding on December 13, the Lobos will now focus on recovery and preparation for the grind of conference play.
Stay tuned for updates on player recoveries and the Lobos’ upcoming matchups. As they push forward, the resilience of this team will be tested on multiple fronts.
