New Mexico
Crowd, Urgency, Response: New Mexico Faces Boise State at Home in the PIT
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Lobos Look to Respond at The Pit
Game: Boise State Broncos vs New Mexico Lobos
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Location: The Pit in Albuquerque, NM
Radio: 77Kob Lobo Radio Network
Play-by-Play: Rob Portnoy, Hunter Greene
The Pit is where the New Mexico Lobos (18-5) will try to defeat the Boise State Broncos (14-9) on Saturday.
Saturday night at The Pit isn’t just another conference game for the New Mexico Lobos—it’s a chance to respond.
Lobos look to get back to their PIT Winning Ways
The Pit has been a fortress for New Mexico all season, but Wednesday night was a reminder that nothing comes easy in the Mountain West.
After seeing a 23-game home winning streak end against conference-leading Utah State, the New Mexico Lobos return to their home court Saturday night with something to prove as they face a hot Boise State team.
With the Mountain West race tightening and March approaching, this feels less like a bounce-back chance and more like a statement moment.
For a team that has thrived on energy, pace, and crowd momentum, how the Lobos respond may reveal as much about their postseason readiness as any win this season.
After their 23-game home winning streak was broken earlier this week by conference-leading Utah State, New Mexico returns home looking to bounce back against a hot Boise State team they lost to earlier in the season.
As the Mountain West race becomes more competitive and each game grows more crucial, the Lobos realize that their margin for error is shrinking if they hope to make a postseason appearance in the Big Dance in March.
New Mexico enters the matchup after winning eight of its last 10 games, while Boise State comes in riding the momentum of five wins in its last six.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at The Pit, with the game broadcast on CBS Sports Network and the Lobo Radio Network.
Boise State enters the matchup after a 91-87 win over Nevada, relying on efficient offense and strong guard play.
The Broncos shot over 50 percent from the field and made clutch free-throw shots, with Dylan Andrews leading with 25 points.
The win marked another step forward for a Boise State team that has won five of its last six games and has now returned to .500 in Mountain West play.
Meanwhile, New Mexico aims to bounce back after an 86-66 loss to Utah State on Wednesday night at The Pit.
The Lobos had trouble finding an offensive rhythm and couldn’t stop the Aggies’ scoring efficiency, despite Tomislav Buljan’s 17-point effort.
Still, New Mexico remains one of the league’s most balanced teams, averaging over 80 points per game while ranking among the Mountain West’s top defensive units.
The Lobos (18-5, 9-3 MW) are back home with purpose after Wednesday’s loss to Utah State ended one of the nation’s longest active home winning streaks.
Despite the setback, New Mexico still stays in the Mountain West title race and knows that defending The Pit is crucial as the season winds down.
Freshman sharpshooter Jake Hall continues to be a major story, leading the Mountain West with 70 made three-pointers—the most by any freshman in the country.
With New Mexico’s speed, intensity, and defensive strength, the Lobos remain one of the league’s most tough opponents—especially at home in Albuquerque.
Boise State (14-9, 6-6 MW) heads into The Pit playing its best basketball of the season. After a rough 1-5 start in conference play, the Broncos have regrouped and returned to .500 in the Mountain West.
Led by Drew Fielder, averaging 13.3 points per game, Boise State relies on tough defense, rebounding, and half-court plays.
The Broncos also draw confidence from their 62-53 win over New Mexico in the first meeting on December 30 in Boise.
New Mexico: Jake Hall’s shooting stretches defenses, but the Lobos’ guard play and transition offense will be key as they aim to play with urgency and energy.
Boise State: Drew Fielder leads the Broncos’ offense, while their ability to control the pace and limit second-chance opportunities will be tested inside The Pit.
Response and Energy: How New Mexico reacts after Wednesday’s loss could set the tone early.
Tempo Control: The Lobos want speed; Boise State wants structure.
Home-Court Edge: New Mexico maintains a 9-4 all-time record at The Pit, where few teams leave comfortably.
The all-time series is tied at 15-15, showing how evenly matched these teams have been. While Boise State won the first meeting this season, winning in Albuquerque has always been a much tougher task.
Boise State’s recent streak makes this a tough challenge, but New Mexico’s urgency, perimeter shooting, and home-court advantage should drive a strong comeback.
Expect a very physical game before the Lobos create separation late.
Prediction: New Mexico rebounds at The Pit and remains strongly in the Mountain West title race.
Following Saturday’s matchup, the Lobos head to Phoenix for a midweek non-conference road game at Grand Canyon on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m., with coverage on FS1.
Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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