Santa Clara Broncos 90 - New Mexico Lobos 85 (11/14/2023): Broncos' Late Surge Seals Win

In a high-energy game, the Santa Clara Broncos secured a win against the New Mexico Lobos, with a final score of 90-85. The game was a mix of strategic plays and intense competition. Both teams showcased their skills, making it an exciting contest.

First Half Insights

The Santa Clara Broncos came into the game with an unbeaten record of 5-0. They aimed to maintain their winning streak and add another victory to their season. The New Mexico Lobos, with a 3-1 record, looked to challenge the Broncos and possibly hand them their first loss.

The Lobos had a strong performance in their previous games, especially in the postseason. They had big wins against Sam Houston, George Washington, and Saint Joseph's. Their loss to Tulsa was a close one, showing their ability to compete at a high level.

Meanwhile, the Broncos had faced a tough loss to Kentucky in the 2026 Midwest Region First Round. However, their current form showed they were determined to continue their unbeaten run this season. Their offense was a key factor, averaging 85.8 points per game.

Second Half Battle

New Mexico Lobos had an impressive offensive record this season, scoring an average of 96.0 points per game. Their shooting accuracy was notable, with a field goal percentage of 51.3%. They excelled in three-point shooting, making 11.3 per game at a 40% rate.

Santa Clara's defense was tested against the Lobos' offensive prowess. The Broncos managed to hold their ground, leveraging their own offensive strength. They averaged 10.8 three-pointers made per game, adding pressure on the Lobos' defense.

Both teams had similar possession stats, but Santa Clara's higher pace with 75.5 possessions per game gave them more opportunities. This tempo allowed them to create scoring chances and maintain their lead.

Key Takeaways

The game was a close contest, with both teams battling hard. New Mexico showed strong ball control with just 7.3 turnovers per game, but the Broncos capitalized on their opportunities. Santa Clara's 44.2 field goal percentage showed they could find gaps in the Lobos' defense.

Rebounding played a significant role, with Santa Clara slightly edging out New Mexico. The Broncos averaged 41.0 rebounds per game, using these extra possessions to their advantage. This helped them to secure second-chance points and control the pace.

Free throw shooting was another area where the Broncos excelled, hitting 81.0% of their attempts. This accuracy helped them maintain their lead, especially in the closing moments. The Lobos, with a 72.7% free throw percentage, fell just short in this aspect.

Overall, the game highlighted the strengths of both teams. New Mexico's offensive capabilities were evident, but Santa Clara's balanced approach and strong execution under pressure made the difference. The Broncos continue their season with a perfect record, while the Lobos will look to bounce back in their next game.