The Lobos will begin the 2025–26 season with a game against East Texas A&M at The Pit.

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Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics

The Lobos will begin the 2025–26 season with a game against East Texas A&M at The Pit.

Matchup: New Mexico Lobos vs. East Texas A&M Lions
When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Where: The Pit – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Broadcast: Mountain West Network, Altitude 2
Radio: Lobo Radio Network – Jeff Siembieda (play-by-play), Daniel Farris (analyst)
TV: Rob Portnoy (play-by-play), Hunter Greene (analysis)

The 2025–26 New Mexico men’s basketball season officially begins Wednesday night as the Lobos host East Texas A&M at The Pit. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with coverage on Altitude 2, Mountain West Network streaming, and the Lobo Radio Network.

After a remarkable 27–8 season last year, the Lobos face their opener against an East Texas A&M team that finished 5–26 last year.

Historically, New Mexico starts strong — holding a 92–30 record in season openers and riding a 22-game winning streak in those games since losing to Cal to open the 2002–03 season.

 At The Pit, the Lobos have been nearly unbeatable, with a 53–5 record in home openers and 20 straight wins at home since that 2002 loss.

Wednesday’s game signals the start of a new era for Lobo basketball, as first-year head coach Eric Olen takes charge.

Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

Olen inherits a completely overhauled roster and coaching staff from last season.

 While it’s officially a rebuilding year, Olen’s fast-paced, space-oriented offensive system has fostered optimism as the season begins.

The media predicted New Mexico would finish fifth in the Mountain West Preseason Poll, and the Lobos finished exhibition play with a 1–1 record, losing to Washington State before bouncing back with a win over Northern Arizona. Forward Antonio Chol led the team in both games, averaging 15.5 points per contest.

Meanwhile, the Lions (1–0) arrive in Albuquerque after a 119–60 blowout of Division II Arlington Baptist on Monday. Since beginning Division I play in 2019, East Texas A&M is still adjusting after finishing 11th in the Southland Conference last year.

Team Outlooks

New Mexico Lobos

Head Coach: Eric Olen (1st Year)
Previous Season: 27–8, Mountain West Regular Season Champions
Preseason MW Poll: 5th

Olen’s debut introduces a completely new look to the program — from staff to roster — with the goal of blending fresh talent into a cohesive, high-energy team. Expect a fast pace, good ball movement, and plenty of perimeter spacing. The Lobos’ biggest advantage remains The Pit, one of the loudest and most challenging venues in college basketball.

Biggest concern: Team chemistry and defensive consistency with so many newcomers.

East Texas A&M Lions

Head Coach: Jaret Von Rosenberg (7th Year)
Previous Season: 5–26, 11th in the Southland Conference
Current Record: 1–0

The Lions head to Albuquerque led by Ronnie Harrison Jr., who scored 20 points in their season-opening win.

 East Texas A&M continues to shape its identity at the Division I level, relying on experienced leadership and a wave of new recruits. While the Lions bring energy and motivation, they struggle with rebounding and defending against faster, more athletic teams — challenges they’ll confront directly against the Lobos.

Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics

Players to Watch

New Mexico

  • Antonio Chol (F): Averaged 15.5 points in exhibition play and appears ready to lead UNM in scoring.
  • Deyton Albury (G): The lone player with prior Mountain West experience, he’ll be key in directing Olen’s offense and providing veteran leadership.

East Texas A&M

  • Khaliq Abdul-Mateen (G): Scored 15 points in the Lions’ opener and will need another strong performance to keep them competitive.

What to Watch For

  • Pace and Turnovers: The Lobos will look to push the tempo. If the Lions can’t handle the pressure, the game could get away from them early.
  • Team Chemistry: With a completely new roster, this will be UNM’s first real test of how quickly the group can gel.
  • The Atmosphere: The Pit is one of college basketball’s most intimidating environments. Expect the crowd to energize the Lobos from the opening tip.
  • Lions’ Response: How will East Texas A&M handle UNM’s length, quickness, and athleticism — and the noise inside The Pit?
  • Margin of Victory: Given UNM’s 22 straight opening wins and dominance at home, it would take a major upset to end that streak.

Prediction

Although it is a transition year, New Mexico’s athleticism, depth, and home-court advantage should be too much for East Texas A&M to handle. Expect the Lions to start strong, but the Lobos’ speed and pressure will eventually wear them down.

East Texas A&M will receive a $100,000 game check and a memorable experience at one of college basketball’s great venues — but they won’t get a win.

Prediction: New Mexico 85, East Texas A&M 65



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