CLEVELAND (AP) — The New Mexico Lobos kicked off their NCAA Tournament run with a bang on Friday night, defeating the Marquette Golden Eagles 75-66 in a thrilling first-round game. This victory not only marks the Lobos' first NCAA Tournament win since 2012, but it also establishes a significant milestone for the Pitino family, as Richard and Rick Pitino become the first father-son coaching duo to both triumph in NCAA Tournament games during the same season.
Richard Pitino, the younger of the two, saw his team snap a four-game NCAA Tournament losing streak and improve their overall record to 27-7. The Lobos' journey this time around has been characterized by teamwork and resilience, which became evident in their performance against Marquette, a seventh seed.
Donovan Dent, crowned the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, was instrumental in securing the win, contributing 21 points along with six assists and two blocks. His performance soared especially in the second half, where he helped ignite a crucial 10-0 run that helped New Mexico seize control of the game.
“I just thought at the end of the game, we buckled down and got stops. We stopped turning the ball over,” Richard Pitino remarked after the game. He emphasized how the improved spacing on the court allowed Dent to find his groove, making pivotal plays when it mattered most.
Nelly Junior Joseph also played a vital role, adding 19 points and seven rebounds. His crucial layup with 6:17 left in the game put the Lobos in the lead at 59-58, paving the way for the eventual victory. The team's collective effort paid off, as they outscored Marquette 38-26 in points in the paint, a fact that Marquette's coach, Shaka Smart, pointed out, noting that this advantage was a significant factor in the outcome.
“They scored way more around the basket than we did... We’ve got to give New Mexico a lot of credit,” Smart acknowledged. His team struggled to maintain momentum, especially after briefly taking the lead during the second half. David Joplin was the standout for Marquette, scoring 28 points, including six three-pointers. His effort was commendable, especially after a disappointing performance in the Big East Tournament, where he had struggled from beyond the arc.
The Lobos' victory traces its roots back to their determination and the tremendous support of their fans. The team displayed remarkable poise under pressure, which is attributed to their strong preparation and emphasis on defensive play. Coach Pitino's strategy of recruiting larger guards has also played a pivotal role in their success, contributing to their defensive prowess and ability to contest shots effectively.
Richard Pitino took over as the head coach for New Mexico in 2021 and has since revitalized the program, leading them back into March Madness and guiding them to this historic win. The Lobos will face either second-seeded Michigan State or 15-seed Bryant in the second round on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Meanwhile, the elder Pitino's team, the No. 2 seed St. John's, is also making waves in the tournament, having defeated Omaha in their first-round matchup on March 20, 2025. They are set to clash with John Calipari's No. 10 Arkansas on March 22, 2025. This creates a historic moment, marking the first time both father and son have had teams in the NCAA Tournament that have progressed past the opening round in the same year.
The emotional weight of the day was palpable for the players, especially for Marquette's Kam Jones, whose tears post-game reflected the gravity of the moment. In his final game for the Golden Eagles, Jones expressed deep appreciation for his teammates, underscoring the bonds formed over the season.
As the Lobos' journey continues, they are not just fighting for championships but also rewriting their narratives in NCAA history, aiming for their first regional semifinal appearance since 1974. With their recent performance, the Lobos are hopeful to carry this momentum further into the tournament.
