Sick’s Selections– meaning when people go to watch the University of New Mexico basketball play in Las Vegas Nevada for the yearly conference tournament, their green Chile chips and salsa are absent for almost a week and the buffet line is the enemy. Sometimes it might a be challenging but as lobos pros put it there is always a way it can always work out.
Now, the big question is Which aspects of the 2024 MWC tournament do they need to know? Will it be the type of culinary accomplishment that gets a four-star review from UNM fans, or is it going to be replaced with a plate of hot beans and plain dogs?
Each March UNM supporters look forward to the conference tournament, and this year it’s more of the same. The men’s basketball team does demonstrate on occasion its unbridled talent and should be able to reach the deepest bracket of the tournament. To be fair, though, the women have beaten all expectations and have staged a spectacular No.2 seed.
Will UNM fans get the chance to enjoy multiple days of mouth-watering basketball treats in Vegas, or will their buffet experience be cut off soon after the first few lackluster games? Over the past 25 years of Mountain West tournaments, Lobos fans have enjoyed victorious and devastating moments.
Therefore, joy or sorrow of which tournament moments were their favorites? We will begin with Sick’s Packs, starting from most terrible and moving towards the very best, exploring the highs and lows.
Sick’s Selections: The Highs and Lows of UNM’s Mountain West Tournament History
Of course, even the sweetest romance is filled with some sour times. Both men’s and women’s teams had their fair number of lessons they have learned the hard way. For example, it was devastating to lose a lack splendid first round loss to Air Force in the season 2015 right after the back to back championships that they had won. Nevertheless, the lucky streak of the women’s team was broken in 2006, when they managed to score only 45 points in their quarterfinal clash against UNLV and lost the championship that they were used to winning every other year.
In 2002, UNLV edged out UNM in a thrilling double-overtime men’s quarterfinal, with a final score of 129-117. Ruben Douglas led the Lobos with 32 points, supported by Patrick Dennehy’s impressive 23 points and 14 rebounds. Despite Sequa Carey’s clutch buzzer-beater to force a second overtime, the Rebels secured the win. And who could forget the pain of 2011, when BYU’s Jimmer Fredette dropped a jaw-dropping 52 points against UNM?
Fast forward to the 2009 women’s semifinals, where UNM faced Utah in a tight game. Holding onto a slim lead, UNM faltered in the final moments, losing 56-55. Amy Begging, the team’s top free-throw shooter, missed two crucial shots, allowing Utah to steal the victory. The loss stung, especially since UNM had fought their way to the WNIT quarterfinals later that season. And last year’s quarterfinal loss was equally heartbreaking when Aniyah Augmon’s potential game-winner rimmed out.
But amidst the heartbreak, there have been shining moments in the MWC tournament.
In 2018, despite a challenging season, UNM’s men’s team went on an impressive five-game winning streak, earning them a No. 3 seed. Led by players like Joe Fur stinger and Antino Jackson, they reached the final, narrowly losing to San Diego State. Their unexpected journey provided a bright spot in a tough season.
Then there’s the inspiring story of the 2012 women’s team. Despite injuries and a short roster, they defied expectations, defeating higher-seeded teams like UNLV and Boise State to reach the final. Though they fell short against San Diego State, the team’s resilience, led by senior Porcha Torrance and with support from UNM volleyball player Ashley Rhoades, was a memorable highlight amidst the tournament’s highs and lows.
Let’s dig into the main course now! Ranking UNM’s top tournament moments is like selecting your favorite dish – it’s subjective, but I got some recommendations before placing my order. Bon Appetit!
Here are the top men’s moments:
Number 3: The 2014 final. After a tough loss to San Diego State just a week earlier, the Lobos came back strong, defeating the Aztecs 64-58 in the title game. Cameron Bairstow was named MVP, with Alex Kirk making the all-tournament team and Kendall Williams sealing the deal with a clutch 3-pointer. It was a satisfying victory.
Number 2: The 2005 final. UNM’s Danny Granger led the charge, outshining Utah’s Andrew Bogut in a thrilling 60-56 win. Granger’s impressive performance (28 points, 11 rebounds) was complemented by Mark Walters’ 12 assists, helping Ritchie McKay’s Lobos secure the victory. And let’s not forget the celebratory on-court handsprings by Bam bale Obey, adding a cherry on top of the win.
Number 1: The 2013 final. This game marked the pinnacle of the Steve Alford era, as the Lobos clinched a 63-56 victory over UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center (also known as Pit West). Tony Snell was named tournament MVP, with Williams sealing the deal with a spectacular 360 dunk. With the atmosphere electrified by Boyd II Men singing the national anthem and enthusiastic Lobo fans, it was an unforgettable moment that crowned a dominant MWC season.
Let’s take a look at the top moments for the women’s team:
Number 3: The 2008 final. It marked the fifth MWC tournament title for coach Flanagan’s team and was quite unexpected. Despite being the fourth seed, UNM managed to secure a narrow 62-59 victory over San Diego State. Key performances from seniors Dionne Marsh and Brandi Kimble, along with a crucial late put-back from freshman Torrance, sealed the deal. Notably, top-seeded Utah’s loss to No. 9 Colorado State in the quarters eased UNM’s path to victory, and Marsh earned her third tournament MVP honor.
Number 2: The 2003 final. UNM’s 52-46 win over BYU set the stage for a memorable run to the NCAA’s Sweet 16. Jordan Adams was named MWC tournament MVP, with Mandi Moore earning an all-tournament pick. Abbie Let’s clutch 3-pointer and the team’s shutdown defense against Cougars star Erin Thorn in the second half were crucial in securing the win.
Number 1: The 2004 final. This victory was particularly satisfying for coach Flanagan. Despite being tied with Utah at halftime and losing Mandi Moore to a first-half concussion, UNM rallied to a commanding 71-50 win. Freshman Katie Montgomery stepped up with 14 points, while Melissa Forest and tournament MVP Lindsey Arndt combined for 32 points. The Lobos’ stellar defense, holding the Utes to just 18 second-half points, showcased their dominance. UNM’s focus on defense, with players visualizing a target score to hold opponents under before each game, paid off as they led the nation in scoring defense and opponent field goal percentage that season. Flanagan remarked proudly that his team rarely had to run, thanks to their defensive prowess.