Albuquerque, NM – The University of New Mexico extended its win streak to four with a commanding 98–71 victory over Santa Clara. The game opened with both teams struggling to gain momentum as defensive pressure on both sides created early turnovers. Once UNM settled in, the Lobos established control, using forced turnovers to generate transition layups and push the tempo. In the second half, Santa Clara made a brief run to tighten the score, but the Lobos responded immediately with a decisive 10 point lead fueled by active hands-on defense, sharp passing, and cohesive teamwork.
Deyton Albury delivered a breakout performance, scoring 22 points along with six assists, three steals, and a block, his first 20-point game as a Lobo. He dominated the pace of play with his ability to accelerate and decelerate on drives, read defensive rotations, and make quick decisions in traffic. His court vision opened up clean shots for his teammates, while his wingspan and defensive anticipation created early frustration for Santa Clara’s ball-handlers. His all-around impact made him the most influential player on the floor.
Tomislav Buljan added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in an efficient and controlled performance. Rather than forcing difficult finishes, Buljan consistently converted high-percentage opportunities with strong footwork and positioning. His lone dunk came off a well-read steal, highlighting his awareness and timing on both ends of the court.
Off the bench, Uriah Tenette provided an offensive spark with 15 points, proving himself a reliable scoring option. While his defensive effort was strong, he will need to reduce hand usage to avoid unnecessary fouls and maximize his time on the floor. Depth continued to be a key strength for the Lobos, with multiple players contributing across scoring, rebounding, and defensive categories.
Santa Clara entered prepared, assigning their top defender, Christian Hammond, to chase UNM sharpshooter Jake Hall and limit his perimeter looks. The strategy was effective in reducing Hall’s scoring impact, but the Broncos were unable to capitalize offensively. Turnovers, missed shots, and foul trouble prevented them from maintaining pressure as the game progressed. Hammond led Santa Clara with 22 points on 60% effective field-goal shooting, but foul trouble limited how aggressively he could defend. Elijah Mahi added 13 points and led the Broncos with eight rebounds, while Allen Graves contributed 12 points, though he struggled to find consistency amid UNM’s high defensive energy.
Both Albury and Hammond showcased their dual-threat capabilities and stood out as key players for their respective teams. Ultimately, UNM’s depth, defensive discipline, and high-level ball movement dictated the game’s flow. Their ability to convert turnovers into fast-break points, execute sharp offensive sets, and maintain intensity for 40 minutes powered the 98–71 victory. With strong chemistry and growing confidence, the Lobos continue to establish themselves as a dynamic, well-balanced team with significant early-season momentum.
This article was written by Rebecca Lucero, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
