UNM Lobos Punch NIT Semifinal Ticket with 84-69 Rout

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico men's basketball team cruised to an 84-69 quarterfinal victory over Saint Joseph's on Tuesday night at The Pit – Powered by Nusenda, securing a spot in the 2026 NIT semifinals. The Lobos, now 26-10, showcased their postseason grit after finishing third in the Mountain West at 13-7 during the regular season. Tomislav Buljan dominated with a career-high 27 points and 11 rebounds – his 17th double-double – while Jake Hall added 24 points and Luke Haupt contributed 10 points with five assists.

Saint Joseph's, ending their season at 24-12, couldn't keep pace after UNM pulled away decisively, never allowing the Hawks back within single digits. The win caps a resilient campaign for the Lobos, who fell 94-90 to Utah State in their regular-season finale in Logan and were edged 64-62 by San Diego State in the Mountain West semifinals. Albuquerque fans packed The Pit, fueling the team's momentum toward Hinkle Fieldhouse.

UNM faces Tulsa in the NIT semifinals on April 2 in Indianapolis, televised on ESPN at either 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. MT. The Golden Hurricane advanced with an 83-79 win over Wichita State. A victory sends the Lobos to the April 5 championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, chasing their first NIT semifinal appearance since 1990.