Lobos defeat San Jose State, reach MW semifinals

The New Mexico Lobos men's basketball team advanced to the Mountain West Tournament semifinals after defeating San Jose State 63-52, led by standout performances from Donovan Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph. Dent, named Mountain West Player of the Year, contributed 25 points and five assists, while Joseph secured a double-double with 14 points and a record-tying 18 rebounds. The Lobos showcased a strong defensive strategy, particularly in the paint, outscoring the Spartans 38-24 and winning the rebounding battle 42-39. Under the guidance of Mountain West Coach of the Year Richard Pitino, the Lobos maintain a formidable record, now standing at 26-6 for the season. As they await their next opponent, the Lobos' fans have shown immense support, traveling in large numbers to Las Vegas for the tournament. The team's success is attributed to their dynamic offensive plays and effective coaching strategies that have marked them as a dominant force in the league.