Ready, set, sprint: Lobo women race past Adams State in exhibition

Anybody for a fast start?

The UNM women’s basketball team set a blistering pace early Wednesday night and never looked back in a 81-35 exhibition win over Adams State at the Pit.

This one was never in doubt.

Joana Magalhães scored 10 points in the first quarter as the Lobos piled up a 30-6 lead. Destinee Hooks scored a game-high 15 points in less than 20 minutes as UNM substituted early and often before pulling its starters for good in the fourth quarter.

New Mexico led by as many as 52 points and was never seriously threatened by the ice-cold and overmatched Grizzlies. The issue was largely settled in the first quarter, when UNM hit 12 of 16 shots from the field including four 3-pointers, while Adams State started 1 for 12.

It was nothing like the previous meeting between the schools, when UNM topped Adams State 60-45 in a relatively close exhibition in 2023.

“I think we were just excited to play somebody else,” Lobos coach Mike Bradbury said. “Really good start, our effort and communication were really good. Our execution, obviously, is something we’ll work on, but a lot of positives from tonight.”

It was opening night for four UNM freshmen, all of whom saw extended minutes. Guard Laila Abdurraqib made a strong first impression with eight points, three assists and four steals off the bench.

“It felt amazing,” she said. “Playing at home in front of our fans was something I’d really been looking forward to. I was a little nervous at first, but I had a great time out there. We all did.”

Freshman Kaia Foster couldn’t match her red-hot shooting display from this month’s Lobo Howl, but she was all smiles after chipping in seven points and four rebounds.

“I had butterflies at first,” she said. “The first time I touched the ball, that went away, but it was a crazy atmosphere. I actually thought it was good that we were very calm and just played basketball when everyone was excited.”

Alyssa Hargrove and Cacia Antonio scored eight points each for UNM, which couldn’t keep up its early sizzling pace but gradually expanded its lead until the final few minutes. The Lobos shot 47% (32-68) from the field and outrebounded the Grizzlies 57-29.

While UNM appeared only too eager to get started, Adams State struggled mightily to get the ball inside and couldn’t hit much of anything from the perimeter. Eight of the Grizzlies’ first 10 points came from the foul line, and their second field goal came with just 2:05 left in the first half. By that time, UNM led 42-10 and was cruising.

“They missed some shots they probably usually make,” Bradbury said, “and turned the ball over a few times. That allowed us to get in transition and I thought we did a good job capitalizing on those chances.”

Twelve of UNM’s 13 players played more than 10 minutes, but it was hardly a flawless performance. The Lobos were whistled for 24 fouls, sending ASU to the free-throw line early and often. The Grizzlies went 20-for-26 from the line.

“Too many fouls and turnovers,” Foster said, “but we can improve on that. Overall I’m very happy and I want to thank the (3,831) fans for coming out. I think we’re going to have a great season.”

UNM plays its second and final exhibition game on the road at UT Arlington on Tuesday before opening the regular season Nov. 3 against Northern Arizona at home.