Lobos, Rams are set up for memorable clash

Fort Collins, Colorado hasn't always been a pleasant winter destination for the UNM women's basketball team, but it has been a consistent one.

The Lobos will make their 40th visit to Fort Collins on Wednesday, squaring off with Colorado State in a key early Mountain West showdown. The Rams (13-2, 4-0 MWC) are tied for the league lead with San Diego State and UNLV, with UNM (11-4, 3-1) one game back.

It stacks up as a night to remember.

Not only is Wednesday's game significant in the league standings, it could be the last meeting between UNM and CSU at Moby Arena for the foreseeable future. Colorado State is one of five schools departing the Mountain West after this season for what used to be the Pac-12.

It won't be the end of the Lobos-Rams rivalry. CSU travels to the Pit on Feb. 14 and the teams could meet again at the Mountain West tournament in March.

Still, it's a noteworthy landmark considering New Mexico has played Colorado State more times (92) than any other women's basketball opponent dating back to 1975. New Mexico State (88), Wyoming (87) and also-departing San Diego State (80) are the Lobos' other most-frequent historical foes.

UNM coach Mike Bradbury has been around for 18 battles with Colorado State and holds an 11-7 edge over longtime Rams counterpart Ryun Williams. Bradbury did not wax nostalgic Tuesday when asked about facing CSU, but he did credit Williams' teams for always presenting a stiff challenge.

"They're always very sound," Bradbury said, "and this group is no exception. They're very physical offensively and defensively and they typically have a good plan to attack your weaknesses. It's always a chess match against them — and this is one of the most balanced teams they've had."

Colorado State turned heads in non-conference play this season, picking up road wins at Gonzaga and Oregon State and dropping a 62-60 decision to Stanford on a neutral court. The Rams' only other defeat was a 70-58 home loss to Utah.

The challenging schedule helped lift CSU to No. 57 in the NCAA's NET rankings, well ahead of Mountain West contenders San Diego State (85), UNLV (87) and New Mexico (108).

The Lobos' NET ranking took a hit Saturday even with a blowout road win over San Jose State. The 2-13 Spartans have the MWC's worst net rating at 328.

UNM will have an opportunity to climb the NET rankings over the next week with road games at CSU and San Diego State, but Bradbury knows the Lobos will have to be at their best.

"Colorado State is battle-tested and they have some good wins," he said. "The thing about them is, all five starters are weapons that can hurt you in different ways. We have to be focused and stick to our assignments on defense. On offense, our ball movement has to be good and we have to make shots. (The Rams) are going to force you to take perimeter shots and you have to be able to hit them."

Fresno State did that Saturday, going 10-for-14 from 3-point range at Moby Arena and battling CSU to the finish before falling 86-83. The Rams limited their other three MWC foes to fewer than 50 points apiece.

Wednesday's battle will pit strength against strength as the Lobos lead the conference in scoring offense (72.3 points per game), while the Rams lead in scoring defense (54.1 ppg allowed). UNM also ranks first in steals (11 per game), while CSU has committed the league's fewest turnovers (10.4 per game).

UPDATE: The Lobos' overall health has improved as players and coaches have largely recovered from a nasty virus that swept through the locker room in recent weeks. Starting guard Joana Magalhaes returned to practice on a limited basis this week after sitting out two games with a quad injury. She is questionable for Wednesday's game, Bradbury said. Starting post Clarissa Craig (knee) remains out.