RICHMOND, VA –

51 weeks. 357 days. It’s been nearly one year since New Mexico star Donovan Dent dropped 40 in the first meeting of a scheduled home-and-home series between the New Mexico Lobos and VCU Rams – Two of the most proud, positively rambunctious, and exciting basketball programs hailing from the “non-Power” conferences.

One year later, and these two programs have seen complete overhauls – New players, new coaching staffs, new aspirations, and the opportunities to pen a new story and legacy – Yet, a familiar desire to nab a statement win.

And to be clear, walking into the iconic Siegel Center, trading blows with a tough and fearless VCU squad, and leaving with a win – That certainly qualifies as a statement win. Pretty? No. Impressive? Yes.

It looked like the Lobos were in trouble early: On a few occasions, the Rams built a 9-point lead, fueled by a rowdy home crowd, stingy defense, and hot shooting (Led by an incredibly fun-to-watch duo of Brandon Jennings and Nyk Lewis). But while the New Mexico offense struggled – Come halftime, VCU only led by five (46 – 41).

In the second half, rising Lobo star Jake Hall came alive: The Freshman guard matched his personal career high of 24 points (hitting 5 of 7 attempted 3-point shots). Fellow Lobos Deyton Albury (14) and Tomislav Buljan (11) also reached double figures, while a solid rotation of UNM players made vital contributions in key moments. This, combined with a New Mexico defense that continues to impress this season, led to a series of UNM runs, building a 10-point New Mexico lead late into the second half.

However, the Rams refused to go quietly: Explosive guard play, foul trouble for the Lobos, and an electric 10-0 Rams run allowed VCU to storm back into the game, bringing the quieted Siegel Center crowd to an uproar. The two squads continued to trade blows as the clock continued to expire. And with under a minute to go, the two teams arguably experienced just as many self-inflicted blows, as any other (i.e., errant inbound plays, poor shot selections, and a Looney Tunes-esque sequence of events to complement the closing seconds of the game). And yet – New Mexico found a way, stealing a nerve-racking 81 – 78 win over VCU in one of the toughest road environments in all of college hoops.

While the stellar play of Jake Hall and the quick, in-the-paint IQ of Deyton Albury will get much of the credit for this UNM victory – Much credit is owed to the aforementioned play of this New Mexico defense. VCU seemed to be in complete rhythm early-on, but the Rams were ultimately held to a 38% shooting-success rate (26% from behind-the-line), making 24 of 62 attempted field goals (VCU’s Nyk Lewis, Lazar Djokovic, and Brandon Jennings combined for nearly half of the Rams’ scoring total).

Credit should also go to the play of several Lobo players in key moments – From a crucial block by Antonio Chol, late in the game; to terrific down-hill drives from Uriah Tenette; to smooth putbacks from JT Rock – The Lobos were able to grind out a win through a total team effort.

With the win over VCU (now 6-4), New Mexico gains a likely Quad-1 win, as VCU was picked first in the Atlantic-10 preseason poll and continues to hover in the Top 50 of various ranking systems (including the NET). The Lobos improve to 8-2 on the young season, continuing to build a solid defensive identity and knack for gritty (okay, heart attack – inducing) wins.

Couch Potato Sports Player of the Game: Jake Hall (Guard, Fr.) – 24 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound (5 made 3-point shots)

Next Up: The Lobos will close out their non-conference slate on Sunday against Florida Gulf Coast. The Eagles (5-5) hail from the Atlantic Sun Conference, and will make the cross-country trip to play in The Pit. Tip-time is scheduled for 2 p.m. (Mountain Time) and will air on the Mountain West Network (MWN).