ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Led by 18 points from Jaquan Lyle, five New Mexico players reached double figures Saturday as the Lobos beat Cal State-Northridge 97-70.
Carlton Bragg and Corey Manigault each added 17 points for New Mexico (2-0).
Lance Coleman II scored 19 to lead the Matadors (0-2), with Terrell Gomez chipping in 14.
After the Matadors went ahead 26-25 on an Elijah Harkless’ jumper with 9:19 left in the first half, New Mexico grabbed control over the next nine minutes with an 18-2 run that included six points from the foul line, taking a 43-29 lead.
The game never got closer than 14 points in the second half.
New Mexico dramatically cut down on its turnovers from the first game with 10 fewer at 12, while Northridge had 16. New Mexico turned that advantage into a 26-7 edge in points.
The Lobos held a 36-30 rebounding edge, with Makuach Maluach grabbing eight.
New Mexico shot exactly 60% from the field from the second straight game.
The Lobos also dominated underneath with a 56-24 advantage in points in the paint.
BIG PICTURE
In taking care of business against Northridge, the Lobos’ continued to hone their eight-man rotation and their substitution patterns. New Mexico is showing a dangerously versatile and diverse offense that is capable of scoring from the perimeter as well as pounding it in deep.
The Matadors faced a second-straight larger opponent and both times the games were all but decided by halftime. Auburn looms on the horizon next week.
UP NEXT
New Mexico next plays Green Bay on Wednesday in the opener of the Legends Classic Tournament.
CSU Northridge next plays Tuesday at home against Pepperdine.
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