n AS A DEVOUT longtime Lobo basketball fan, I couldn’t agree more with UTEP coach Tim Floyd’s lament that UNM and UTEP can’t agree on re-establishing their basketball rivalry. It’s a natural rivalry that should continue. I understand coaches Alford and Floyd are not the best of friends, but so what! I don’t imagine Marvin Menzies and Steve Alford are golfing buddies either, but, thankfully, the UNM/NMSU rivalry continues nonetheless. Coach Alford has responded by saying they have been working very hard putting together a non-conference schedule that’s rated fourth in the nation, and UTEP is not on it. In looking back over the current non-conference schedule, I see at least 5 schools we’ve played where UTEP would have been at least as strong competitively. I consider this a huge lost opportunity for both schools. This is a classic case of one coach picking up his marbles and going home. - Bob, UNM Area n REGARDING UTEP coach Tim Floyd’s desire to play the Lobos; sure, good idea. Good enough to play them once a year, rotating sites. Just need to drop one of the games against NMSU and schedule the Miners. - Rodney n AS THE PRAISE continues to pour in for the Lobos’ Kendall Williams, let’s hope he’s smart enough to understand that the worst thing he can do is read about what a great player he is. - Jack Bowers, Albuquerque n HEY LULU, I did not say anything is wrong with Williams and Snell; I said I don’t understand the youngsters – and I still don’t. - UNM Alumnus n I REALLY MUST say how sad and disappointed I was for poor CSU Coach Eustachy missing out on his incentive bonus for winning or sharing the Mountain West championship thanks to UNM’s Special K and Co. this past weekend. Too bad, but he didn’t even get to sniff it! - JTR, NE Hts n NO DISRESPECT meant, but the Lobos can’t rest on their laurels after beating CSU. This Wednesday night they play San Diego State U. Twice this year, teams carrying the initials SDSU (South Dakota State U and San Diego) bested the Lobo men. If I were a betting person, I would chance to say that history will repeat itself and, once again, UNM will be beaten by an SDSU team. So, Lobos and Alford: Remember to stay on your toes! Be wary of the SDSU blight. - Mary in ABQ

— This article appeared on page D4 of the Albuquerque Journal