Box Score

Albuquerque, N.M. - Host New Mexico shot 62% from the floor while Loyola connected at just a 32% clip as the Ramblers dropped a 75-51 decision to the Lobos tonight at The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M. The Ramblers (2-1) suffer their first loss of the season while New Mexico remains perfect at 3-0.

A dunk and two free throws from Montel James helped Loyola get off to a decent start but the Ramblers went cold and New Mexico took advantage, hitting 5-of-7 from the floor in an 11-0 spurt that gave the hosts a 15-4 lead. A Devon Turk flush ended the drought but Loyola continued to struggle to find the range. Earl Peterson knocked down a three from the top of the key but Sam Logwood answered with a triple at the other end to keep the lead in double figures. A Milton Doyle free throw and a transition pull-up from Turk brought LU within 10 (22-12) but the Ramblers just could not find their rhythm and a Cullen Neal bucket gave New Mexico a 38-19 lead at halftime. Despite getting good shots, Loyola shot just 25% (7 of 28) in the period while the Lobos shot 59% and enjoyed a 22-8 edge in paint points.

Turk buried a three-pointer on the opening possession of the second half as Loyola tried to chip away at the deficit but Neal answered with a triple of his own on the ensuing trip. Buckets from Turk and Julius Rajala followed as Loyola tried to mount a comeback but New Mexico had an answer every time and cruised to their third consecutive win.

Although Loyola improved to 38% shooting in the second half (31.7% for the game), New Mexico connected at a 65% clip (13 of 20) after halftime to finish at 62% for the game.

Turk led the Ramblers with 11 points with Peterson adding nine and James pitching in with eight points. Tim Williams paced the Lobos with 22 points and seven boards, helping New Mexico to a 42-22 edge in points in the paint.

Loyola returns to action on Saturday afternoon when it hosts Toledo at Gentile Arena. Tip-time is set for 4 p.m.