University of New Mexico men's basketball team

As the University of New Mexico men's basketball team progresses in conference play they will face a new test around every corner. Last weekend against Colorado State it was defending a team that was built around shooting. The Lobos passed the test by holding the Rams to 32.7 percent shooting overall and just 6-of-25 from three point range. Tuesday night at San Diego State it was dealing with a physical, defensive team. The Lobos came up short losing 56-42 but it was still an important game for UNM. Coaches can show film and talk to their new players but until they feel just what it's like to bang with the Aztecs and what the atmosphere is like on the court they won't know how to handle it. The young UNM players can take plenty from their game against the Aztecs: what it's like against high level defenders, how important attacking the basket with strength is and what this rivalry is all about. As the Lobos prepare for to play at Utah State Saturday night they can look at their last two games and get a sense of what Mountain West play is all about. It's a different challenge every night. It might be avoiding a letdown against a bad team, defending a good offense, or like Tuesday night, learning to grind against the Aztecs. The Lobos will continue to improve as the coaches have more film and time to work with the players and they have the firsthand experience on the court. College basketball is an interesting game. The expectations with college athletics makes people forget that these indeed are 18-and-19-year-old student athletes experiencing this for the first time. Craig Neal and his coaching staff have the players and now it's time to sit back and watch them attack the Mountain West with the expectations, fans and opponents all bearing down on them.