The Pit Press Podcast

Send us a textNew UNM men's head basketball coach Eric Olen joins the show to discuss what he's been up to after being in Albuquerque a week, his recruiting strategy, and how his staff is approaching this next season while still constructing the roster.Beau Hightower, former UNM football player and now Youtube mogul, discusses UNM and New Mexico, and how he built his business in Las Vegas and working with professional athletes.  Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textFormer UNM Lobo, La Mont Long joins Ed Nunez and Ryan Tomari on the Logo Legend Series.  A  podcast series dedicated to talking with former Lobo greats and revisiting memorable moments in UNM sports history.La Mont Long currently sits at #3 (1,840 points) on the New Mexico All-Time Scoring list behind Charles Smith and Kenny Thomas. Long played for UNM from 1996 to 2000. Website: ThePitPressNM.com

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Send us a text Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a text Website: ThePitPressNM.com

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Send us a textGame Summary:Final Score: New Mexico Lobos 62, San Diego State Aztecs 48Venue: The Pit, Albuquerque, NMAttendance: 15,428First Half:New Mexico took an early lead, leveraging their offensive rebounding prowess. At halftime, they led 30-20, having outrebounded the Aztecs 26-18, with 11 of those rebounds coming offensively. This dominance on the boards translated into extra possessions and second-chance points.Tru Washington led the Lobos with 8 points, while Mustapha Amzil contributed 6. On the Aztecs' side, Jared Coleman-Jones had 8 points, and Miles Byrd added 5. The Lobos' strategy was clear: keep the ball moving, crash the boards, and maintain tight defense, which they did effectively, holding SDSU to a low scoring half.Second Half:The second half saw New Mexico continue their control, with Donovan Dent stepping up significantly, finishing the game with 16 points, showcasing his importance to the team's offensive structure. The Aztecs struggled to match the energy and physicality of the Lobos, especially in terms of rebounding, where New Mexico ended with a 43-26 advantage, including a 13-1 edge in offensive rebounds.San Diego State's offense was stifled, managing only 48 points for the whole game, indicating issues in both shot creation and execution against New Mexico's defense.Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textRocco Miller of The Bracketeer (www.TheBracketeer.com) joins the show to talk 2025 College Basketball Bracketology.  Rocco gives us a breakdown of what his bracketology metrics represents, what the board at the NCAA looks for when it comes to Selection Sunday, and gives us his insight on the Mountain West Conference.Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textIn The Pit's 1000th game, New Mexico knocks down a last-second jumper off of a loose-ball scramble to beat the visiting Nevada Wolfpack 82-81 in overtime.  The Lobos are 4-0 in conference play and are sitting pretty in the top 3 powers along with Utah State and San Diego State. We recap the game and delve into the rest of the best MWC league games.The game winner: Sanders was double teamed by CJ and FB, causing a crazy pass that Nelly stole at half court with 12 seconds. Amzil gets it with 6 seconds and passes it to Dent who falls down on a spin, then miraculously passes to NJJ releases it and makes history!First Half Summary:New Mexico started strong, leading early with a 12-6 score. The Lobos had a tough time from beyond the arc, going 0-for-4, but compensated with effective free throw shooting (14-of-19).Nevada struggled initially with their shots, with a dismal 2-for-11 from the field, but rallied towards the end of the half, shooting 13-of-17 after their slow start. The Wolf Pack's Nick Davidson and Kobe Sanders combined for 23 points, hitting 5-of-8 from three-point range, which helped Nevada lead at halftime, 37-34.Second Half & Overtime: SummaryThe second half was a back-and-forth affair where New Mexico's defense tightened up, forcing Nevada to miss 13 of their last 20 shots. However, Nevada's free throw shooting was below par, missing 12 opportunities, which was pivotal in the game's outcome. (23-35)The game went into overtime tied at 70, where New Mexico managed to capitalize on some key defensive plays and clutch scoring to clinch the victory.Statistical Highlights:Shooting:New Mexico: 47% from the field, 27.8% from three (5-of-18), and 75% from the free throw line (31-41).Nevada: Shot 42% from the field, an impressive 42% from 3, but only managed 65.7% from the free throw line (23-of-35).Rebounding: New Mexico outrebounded Nevada 35-32, with Joseph's performance being a significant factor. Offensive rebounds were key, giving UNM 11 second-chance points.Turnovers: UNM had 14 and Nevada only 10Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textNew Mexico uses a 21-0 run to pull away in Fort Collins and never look back.  The Lobos were led by Donovan Dent's 14 points and 6 assists, while Mustapha Amzil chips in 14 and Filip Borovicanin posts 10.  The defensive side of the ball also did it's part as the Lobos forced 17 turnovers and made CSU's Nique Clifford's night a forgettable one.  We also provide a brief analysis on games from around the conference and give our takes on what we saw during Saturday's haul. Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textNew Mexico travels to Fort Collins on Saturday to face off with the Colorado State Rams.  Nico Medved's bunch is coming off one of their best wins in two seasons - defeating Steve Alford's Nevada Wolfpack in Reno.  Star guard, and NBA prospect Nique Clifford will go head-to-head with the Lobos Donovan Dent, who is coming off a career-high 40 points in a win against VCU.We look at the best players, key matchups, and break down different strategies for each team.Also in the episode is a UNM Football update:Quick Hits -Lobo football transfer signing news...LB Jaxton Eck - First Team All Big Sky at Idaho last year will join the Lobos. Had 134 tackles and a pick last year. Son of Coach Jason Eck.RB Deshaun Buchanan - Freshman last year at the University of Idaho. Had 5 TD's and 567 yards in 9 games on 79 carries for 7.2 yards a carry.QB Jack Layne - RS Jr. 14 TD's and 1472 in 7 games last year for Idaho. 23 TDS 5 INTs and 2165 yards on his career. 2 years of eligibility leftOL Kaden Robert from Idaho: 4 years left to play. Was a starter.DB Abraham Williams - 2x All American Kick Returner from Idaho. 57 total tackles and 2 picks in 4 years. Also played at Weber ST. Set a Big Sky and school record in 2022 with four returns for touchdowns for Weber St. Among active college players he is first in KOR Average of 33, and first in KOR TD's with 5TE Aiden Valdez from Campbell who had 10 catches and 3 TDS last year. 2 years remaining. Safety Tavian Combs is returning for the Lobos. Missed all but one game last year due to injury. 6th year player. Has over 100 tackles for his career and 2 picks.Malik Aliane, Evan Wysong, Isaiah Sillemon, Richard Pearce, SaKylee Woodard are also returning to the LobosFreshman signings include...WR/DB Zhaiel Smith - 3 star recruit from Tualatin High School in Portland, Oregon. 1st team all state WR and safety.QB Toa Faave - 3 star dual threat QB from De La Salle HS in Concord, CA.  # 22 ranked school in the nationMWC BBAll Big SaturdayUNM at CSU 1PM MT on the MWC networkNevada at Wyoming 2 PM MT on the MWC network Boise State at SJSU 3 PM MT on the MWC networkUtah St. at #20 SDSU  4 pm MT on FOX Drake Allen practiced today per the Herald Journal, so he may play.Fresno State at UNLV at 8 pm MT on the MWC networkCraving more UNM Lobos content?  Visit our website at www.ThePitPressNM.com for exclusive coverage, articles, and podcasts.  And make sure to check out our YouTube channel for weekly LIVE! stream sports talk: covering college, high school, and regional sports. Leave comments and join the conversation.Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepitpress?si=RTbINJGn7OreCAdzWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textFormer UNM Lobo Offensive Coordinator Bob DeBesse joins Ricky to discuss Lobo Football and the new Jason Eck hire.They also discuss Coach DeBesse's 40+ years of coaching.Craving more UNM Lobos content?  Visit our website at www.ThePitPressNM.com for exclusive coverage, articles, and podcasts.  And make sure to check out our YouTube channel for weekly LIVE! stream sports talk: covering college, high school, and regional sports. Leave comments and join the conversation.Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepitpress?si=RTbINJGn7OreCAdzWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textDonovan Dent goes off for a career high 40 points and UNM knocks off VCU 78-71.  Lobos led for 38+ minutes against a Rams squad that was ranked Top-50 in the NET and held a Top-10 defense.  That didn't stop Dent from having his way.Quick Hits- UNLV football beats Cal 24-13 in the Art of Sport Bowl  LA Bowl last night. First Bowl win Despite losing its starting QB after 3 games, head coach, OC, and star WR for the game, they won their first Bowl in 24 years! HMW passed for 2 TDs and Kylin James ran for 1. Coached by Del Alexander the interim coach.-Utah St basketball lost in a buy game to UC San Diego on Monday, 75-73. Martinez did not shoot well and had 12 points on 4-17 shooting. Falsev had 16 and 9 rebs.-CSU beat Radford 78-68 at home on Monday.-Boise St beat Texas Southern 82-51 on Monday despite shooting 8-32 from 3.-UNLV lost to Dayton 66-65 at Dayton.-This Saturday's top b ball games: AF at Boise, Cal at SDSU.- Utah St at St Mary's on Sunday night.Craving more UNM Lobos content?  Visit our website at www.ThePitPressNM.com for exclusive coverage, articles, and podcasts.  And make sure to check out our YouTube channel for weekly LIVE! stream sports talk: covering college, high school, and regional sports. Leave comments and join the conversation.Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepitpress?si=RTbINJGn7OreCAdzWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textIn another jam packed episode of The Pit Press Podcast, Ricky Thompson is joined by Jacob Neff (@NMSportsCapper) to breakdown the recent sports news in Lobo Land.Quick Hits:Jason Eck named new head coach of Lobo Football, coming over from Idaho where he took the Vandals to the FCS playoffs in three straight seasons.UNM MBB Jovan Milicevic was names MWC Freshman of the week after scoring his career high against Western NM.MWC News: UNLV FB hires coach Dan Mullin on $3.5M per year/5 year deal, and Northern Illinois rumored to join the MWC in a football only membership.VCU Primer: Ricky and Jacob give provide their take on the upcoming matchup with VCU, a top 50 team in the NET.Craving more UNM Lobos content?  Visit our website at www.ThePitPressNM.com for exclusive coverage, articles, and podcasts.  And make sure to check out our YouTube channel for weekly LIVE! stream sports talk: covering college, high school, and regional sports. Leave comments and join the conversation.Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepitpress?si=RTbINJGn7OreCAdzWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textRicky Thompson is back with more MWC coverage!  Joined by JY of The Big Mountain Podcast, the two discuss the new additions to the MW and what it means for football and basketball.The Big Mountain Podcast: https://youtube.com/@thebigmountainpodcast?si=i5hRgbP7vQB62yeWCollege Football Podcast focused on the Big Ten and Mountain West ConferencesThe Pit Press NM Website: https://www.thepitpressnm.com/For news, articles, podcasts, and live streams - exclusive UNM and MWC coverage.Youtube - Live! Stream and Podcast: https://www.thepitpressnm.com/Website: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textNew Mexico State upsets New Mexico 89-83 in overtime.  In a game that the Lobos were favored by 20-points, NMSU shoots nearly 50% from the field and 14-of-31 from 3 complete the improbable win..  The Aggies were led by Christian Cook's 27 points and Robert Carpenter's 20.  UNM could not get anything going offensively and NMSU, at times, looked like they couldn't miss.Ricky, Nick, and Erik break down the numbers and provide their analysis of the game.Craving more UNM Lobos content?  Visit our website at www.ThePitPressNM.com for exclusive coverage, articles, and podcasts.  And make sure to check out our YouTube channel for weekly LIVE! stream sports talk: covering college, high school, and regional sports. Leave comments and join the conversation.Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepitpress?si=RTbINJGn7OreCAdzWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textSan Jose State jumped out to a 15-2 lead in the first five minutes and led for a total of 32+ minutes of the game.  However, the Lobos clawed back and recovered from a 13-point defecit and won the game 83-77 (the largest comeback in the Pitino era).  Donovan Dent led the way with 20 points followed by a 19-point effort from Mustapha Amzil.Erik and Ricky dissect the game (and numbers) to give their takes on the outcome.  They also touch and the recent UNM football news and rumors circulating that ties head coach Bronco Mendenhall to Utah State.Devon Dampier and Luke Wysong also hit the portal.Subscribe to the podcast for more exclusive UNM sports coverage.Follow us on YouTube: https://streamyard.com/32fp6vr7e4Follow us on Socials:X: https://x.com/ThePitPressNMWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

Send us a textIn this episode of The Pit Press Podcast, Ricky Thompson is joined by Nick Urias, a San Jose State Sports Broadcaster.  Rick and Nick breakdown the upcoming matchup and conference season opener in the MWC.Following the SJSU discussion, we have the full Richard Pitino and CJ Noland interviews from the press conference on 12/3.  Visit our website for exclusive UNM Lobos coverage, articles, podcasts, and re-watch LIVE! streams.Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thepitpress?si=jHbK4u2mu3LrEQUpWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

#22 St. Johns beats UNM 85-71 on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.  It a Pitino-Pitino father-and-son matchup, the Johnnies outlast the Lobos in front of 15,000+ fans.  The Lobos 3-1 fought back after being down 16 in the first half.  They cut St. John's lead to four points with five minutes left, but seemed to run out of punches to throw as the Johnnies pulled away at the end.  We cover and breakdown the game - our reaction.Website: ThePitPressNM.com

New Mexico upsets #18 Washington State at University Stadium in Albuquerque, NM.  Wazzou, who still had a chance to make the College Football Playoff saw their chances diminish at the hands of UNM quarterback Devon Dampier. Dampier finished the game with 367 total yards of offense and 4 TD's.  Following the 38-35 win, Dampier was name National Player of the Week by the Associated Press.We visit with former UNM QB, Ned James, to break down the performance.Make sure to check out our website for more UNM sports coverage:www.ThePitPressNM.comAlso follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (x): @ThePitPressNMWebsite: ThePitPressNM.com

UNM Head Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall joins Ryan Tomari and Ed Nunez at the 2024 MWC Football Media Days at Circa Las Vegas.

Head football coach at UNLV, Barry Odom, joins Ryan Tomari and Ed Nunez at the Mountain West Conference Football Media Days at Circa Las Vegas.For other UNLV Rebel interviews with Ricky White III and Jackson Woodard, please see our YouTube channel for in-person booth interviews:https://www.youtube.com/live/u_4zXmPs88Y?si=ix8aP0ofCW3f59hqMake sure to follow, like, and subscribe to our channels for more MWC Football coverage.

Ryan Tomari picks The Albuquerque Journal's Sean Reider about new UNM head football coach Bronco Mendenhall and the action on the field during the 2024 UNM Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 20.

Ryan Tomari and Rick Thompson preview the MWC men's basketball tournament and react to the All-MWC selections. They also give their 2024 MWC All-Snake Team with unsung heroes of the conference.

Ryan Tomari, Erik Moulton, Ed Nunez, Rick Thompson and Jacob Neff get together to talk about the wild finish in Logan, Utah between No. 22 Utah State and the UNM men's basketball team. With the 87-85 Aggies' win over the Lobos, USU wins its first outright regular-season Mountain West Conference championship. The loss puts UNM squarely on the bubble and will need to win some games in the MWC tournament in Las Vegas, Nev.

The gang gets together to review the 2023-24 UNM men's basketball home finale.

Former UNM men's basketball guard Royce Olney joins Ryan Tomari and Ed Nunez to talk about his playing days under Dave Bliss and how basketball came back into his life recently.

Coach Tom Mosser of On Top of the Mountain West Podcast joins the gang again to talk about the final stretch of the Mountain West Conference men's basketball regular season.

The gang gets together to recap the UNM men's basketball team's stunning loss to Air Force, 78-77, in The Pit. The loss might have killed any chances at an at-large NCAA Tournament birth.

Ed Nunez and Ryan Tomari are joined by former UNM men's basketball player and 1998 Co-WAC Player of the Year Clayton Shields.

The gang gets together to break down the UNM men's basketball team and how they held No. 22 Colorado State on Wednesday in The Pit, with a 68-66 win. The Lobos' win over the Rams was their third over a ranked opponent this season.

The gang recaps the sloppy SDSU and UNM game from Friday night. UNM falls in third to fifth place in the Mountain West Conference and gears up to host Colorado State.

Former center David Chiotti joins Ed Nunez and Ryan Tomari to talk about his playing days with the UNM men's basketball. Chiotti scored over 1100 points and nabbed 600 rebounds and won a 2005 Mountain West Conference Tournament title with Danny Granger and Mark Walters in 2005.

The gang gets together again to discuss UNM men's basketball's first Quad 1 road win of the season at Nevada. The 83-82 victory over the Wolf Pack is a season sweep and first win in Reno, Nev. since 2016.

The gang gets together to recap the No. 25 UNM men's basketball team win at Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo. In the 91-73 win, the Lobos outrebounded the Cowboys 51-35.

The gang gets together to talk about UNM's break as they hit the final stretch of their conference schedule - a tough one. The Lobos head to Wyoming to take on the Cowboys who are 8-1 at Arena  Auditorium this season. Also, the gang offers some quick thoughts on Bracketology and the Lobos maintaining their ranking.

Ed Nunez and Ryan Tomari sit down with former UNM men's basketball player Mike Winters. He talks about his playing days under head coach Gary Colson, some of the best players he played against and the current state of UNM men's basketball.

The gang gets together to break down the UNM men's basketball team's shocking loss to Boise State at home in The Pit.

The gang breaks down the fifth-straight double-digit win by the UNM men's basketball team.

Former UNM point guard Phil Smith joins Ed Nunez and Ryan Tomari. He discusses his playing days, playing for Gary Colson, Lobo Gate and why he doesn't watch any UNM basketball.

The gang breaks down the UNM men's basketball team's convincing 95-75 win over San Jose State.  All five Lobo starters scored in double figures and JT Toppin finished with his seventh double-double of the season, which ties former Lobo great Kenny Thomas' freshman record. The gang also looks ahead to Sunday's matchup with Nevada and former UNM head men's basketball coach Steve Alford.

UNM men's basketball legend Kenny Thomas joins Ed Nunez and Ryan Tomari to talk about his amazing Lobo, NBA and media career, what he thinks about the current UNM men's basketball team and his wine company. Thomas thinks that UNM needs to retire numbers. And a shout-out to the UNM women's basketball team.

The gang talks about the UNM women's upset of No. 25 UNLV with  Viané Cumbe and her last-second 3-pointer to beat the Lady Rebels on the road in Las Vegas, Nev. on the road. The UNM men's basketball team remains hot with their third-straight double-digit win, as they demolished Air Force on the road with an 85-66 triumph. 

The gang recaps another big home win for the UNM men's basketball team as they defeated back-to-back ranked opponents by double-digits in four days. The Lobos knocked off No. 16 Utah State in The Pit on Tuesday.

The gang previews another ranked opponent for the UNM men's basketball team as first-year head coach Danny Sprinkle and his No. 16-ranked Utah State Aggies visit The Pit. The Lobos could knock off two straight top-20 opponents in four days.

Despite technical difficulties, the gang breaks down the UNM men's basketball team's 88-70 over No. 19 San Diego State on Saturday in The Pit.

The gang, with former Santa Fe College player Dwayne Rodgers, previews the San Diego State at UNM game. You can also find our Aztec Breakdown collaboration where our podcast is available and on YouTube.

Tron Johnson from Aztec Breakdown (an SDSU news and analytical site) joins Ryan Tomari, Jacob Neff and Rick Thompson to preview the SDSU and UNM game on Saturday, Jan. 12. This is a two-part collaboration and the second part can befound on Aztec Breakdown (https://aztecbreakdown.com/).