New Mexico Aims to Stymie Marquette’s Rhythm in Shootout

Both teams like to play fast, but the Golden Eagles are vulnerable when scoring less than 70.

The Lobos drew a tough opponent in Marquette to open the Tournament in Cleveland.

This much is certain: You can expect to see plenty of points scored.

The Lobos like to play fast, setting the eighth-fastest pace in the nation. They average 75.5 possessions per game, the sixth most in the country.

The Golden Eagles are not afraid to push the tempo either. In the Big East Tournament, Shaka Smart’s team averaged 78 possessions per game.

No. 10 New Mexico vs No. 7 Marquette

Friday, March 21
4:25 pm PT, TBS
South Region, Cleveland

Marquette finished fourth in the Big East but lost three of its last four games with two of those three losses coming to St. John’s.

In their most recent game, the Eagles were held to just 63 points. In their 23 wins, they averaged 81.2 points per game. In the 10 losses that scoring average fell to 66.9.

The Lobos can win if they get UM out of rhythm.

Marquette has struggled to defend the interior this season, ranking 199th in opponent two-point field goal percentage, and allowing teams to shoot 51.3% from inside the arc.

This could open things up for Nelly Junior Joseph to have a good game down low.

If UNM can get him going early that should also free things up for Donvan Dent and the shooters to get going.

Both teams create plenty of extra scoring chances per game.

The Lobos ranked sixth nationally with 6.2 more opportunities per game than their opponents. Marquette is right behind them at 6.1 but does not rebound well on the offensive end of the floor.

If UNM can avoid turning it over and giving MU quick chances, they’ll be in good shape.

Whichever team wins the turnover battle in this one will most likely move on to play on Sunday.