Senior Saturday: Lobo women to honor trio, battle Utah State

Saturday in the Pit won’t be a typical Senior Day for several reasons.

First, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team’s contest versus Utah State is not the Lobos’ final home game this season. Seniors traditionally get spotlight treatment in the home finale.

Second, UNM won’t be recognizing all of its five seniors. Alyssa Hargrove and Clarissa Craig have “Sr.” listed next to their names on the roster, but both have announced intentions to play next season. Hargrove has received an NCAA hardship waiver, while Craig is taking a medical redshirt in 2024-25.

Third, Saturday’s Senior Day technically can’t be considered an annual event. UNM did not hold one last season because Hulda Joaquim (the team’s lone senior) was coming back for another year.

Joaquim will finally get her moment Saturday — along with fellow seniors Viané Cumber and Amhyia Moreland — as UNM looks to secure a significant Mountain West win over Utah State.

The Lobos (15-12, 8-6 MWC) enter the contest on a two-game winning streak and clinging to fourth place in the conference standings. UNM is one game ahead of San Diego State and Fresno State with four games left. The top five finishers earn first-round byes at the upcoming Mountain West tournament.

With difficult road games at Wyoming and Fresno State on the horizon, Saturday’s game against the last-place Aggies (2-24, 1-13) qualifies as a should- and must-win affair for the Lobos. As one might expect, UNM coach Mike Bradbury is taking nothing for granted.

USU has its share of weaknesses, particularly on the defensive end, but the Aggies also have offensive firepower and play at a breakneck pace that makes opposing coaches uncomfortable. Throw in the unavoidable distractions of Senior Day, and UNM coach Mike Bradbury is expecting a challenging Saturday at the office.

“Utah State plays so fast,” Bradbury said. “They’ll press nonstop, which means we have to take care of the ball. If we do, we’ll get some great shots and that has to be our approach. We’ll be aggressive because that’s who we are.”

New Mexico beat the Aggies at their own up-tempo game earlier this season, rolling up a season-high point total in a 101-79 victory in Logan, Utah. With friends and family members expected to attend, UNM’s seniors and their teammates figure to be motivated to put on another high-octane performance.

It’s a disparate group of seniors to be sure, ranging from a four-year veteran and Albuquerque native to a one-season transfer with exactly four UNM starts.

Still, Cumber, Joaquim and Moreland are playing key roles for the Lobos this season. Here’s a quick look at the Senior Day trio.

VIANÉ CUMBER: A Sandia High School graduate and fan favorite, Cumber has evolved into a team leader and go-to scorer. She ranks 16th on UNM’s career scoring list with 1,133 points and needs nine more 3-pointers to break LaTascya Duff’s career record of 239.

“V’s just a great person whose leadership qualities have really grown since she’s been here,” Bradbury said. “I really can’t say enough good things about her. We’re lucky to have her.”

HULDA JOAQUIM: A native of Maputo, Mozambique, Joaquim has made the most of her third UNM season since transferring from Seward County Community College.

A full-time starter for the first time, Joaquim leads the Lobos in rebounding (7.2 per game) and has posted four double-doubles this season. She’s also scored 203 points — 103 more than in her first two seasons combined.

“Hulda works so hard and has just continued to improve every year,” Bradbury said. “Great character, super smart, just a pleasure to be around.”

AMHYIA MORELAND: A Charlotte, North Carolina native, Moreland has primarily come off the bench for the Lobos since transferring from San Jose State.

She’s provided needed size and strength in the paint, leading UNM in blocks (37) and averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds while sharing post minutes with Joaquim.

“Amhyia’s had to learn a whole new system, and she’s played an important role for us,” Bradbury said. “She’s had some big games and done a lot in a short time. She’s been a great addition.”