Clash at The Pit: New Mexico Lobos to Host Hampton Lady Pirates in Women's Basketball Showdown
As the New Mexico Lobos prepare to welcome the Hampton Lady Pirates to The Pit in Albuquerque, fans are eager for what promises to be an electrifying game of women's basketball. With the upcoming match scheduled for December 10th, it's time to delve into what could unfold on the court.
The Lobos have had a rollercoaster season thus far. Their recent performance against Southern Utah Thunderbirds on December 8th was not up to their usual standards, as they fell with a score of 40-58. The team struggled offensively, shooting only 27 percent from the field and an abysmal 18 percent from beyond the arc. However, this game seems like an outlier when compared with their dominant victory over Mississippi Valley State Devilettes on December 5th where they scored an impressive 68 points and shot over half their two-point attempts successfully.
This inconsistency is something that Coach Bradbury will need to address before facing Hampton. If UNM can channel their form from the Devilettes game rather than their Thunderbirds performance, they stand a good chance of controlling the game against Hampton.
On defense, UNM has shown resilience and adaptability throughout these games. They've been particularly effective in rebounding as evidenced by pulling down 56 rebounds against MVSU and maintaining a strong presence in the paint with numerous blocks across recent games.
The Lady Pirates should not be underestimated though; any opponent coming into The Pit must be prepared for battle. While there isn't much data available on Hampton's current form, history has shown that underestimating your opponent can lead to unexpected upsets.
For UNM fans looking forward to this matchup, it will be crucial for players like Jaedyn De La Cerda and Shaiquel McGruder to step up once again and deliver performances akin to those seen earlier in December when they were instrumental in securing wins for their team.
In conclusion, while past games suggest some volatility in UNM's playstyle and execution, there is every reason for optimism among Lobos fans. With home-court advantage at The Pit—a venue known for its raucous atmosphere—UNM has an opportunity here not just for redemption but also reaffirmation of its status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.
Mark your calendars: tip-off is set at 2 PM MST on Sunday afternoon at The Pit located at Avenida Cesar Chavez & University Boulevard SE. For those unable to attend in person, keep an eye out for local broadcast listings or streaming options online so you don’t miss any action from this exciting encounter!