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The New Mexico basketball team faced off against conference rival Nevada on Sunday, resulting in a demolition of the Wolfpack on the floor. Head coach Richard Pitino led his team with legendary father, Rick, in the stands.
The elder Pitino was on hand to take in the sights of a packed house in Albuquerque with his St. Johns squad having had the weekend off.
And he wouldn’t be disappointed with either the atmosphere or the outcome for the home team.
‘The Pit’ was rocking as 15,000 Lobos fans made the trip, creating a raucous environment for their 25th-ranked bunch. Known as one of the most difficult places to play in all of college basketball, Richard Pitino couldn’t wait to introduce his dad to the UNM culture.
I always brag to @RealPitino about how special our fans are. Tonight didn’t disappoint. Thank you!
— Richard Pitino (@LoboCoachPitino) January 29, 2024
Images of Rick Pitino enjoying pregame quickly surfaced on social media. He’d enjoy the game even more!
New Mexico dominated the matchup, crushing its basketball rival 89-55.
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Star guard Jaelen House flexed his muscles with a 21-point performance while four other Lobos notched double figures. The defense, meanwhile, was stout holding their opponent under 34% shooting on the night. That included a 23.5% clip from three.
And the homefield advantage certainly played a part. Rick Pitino took note!
New Mexico basketball and the iconic Pit are really special. Jaelen House is a dynamic disruptor on defense n has so much fun playing the game. Mash has improved his all around game n my main man Nelly Jr Joseph made me so proud. Love the Lobos!!!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) January 29, 2024
Making things even sweeter for New Mexico fans was who that dominant win came against.
New Mexico exacts revenge on former coach.
Steve Alford leads the Nevada bunch, and he was hoping to improve his team’s standing as it eyes a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Entering the game at 16-4, the Wolfpack were squarely on the bubble in Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology projection.
That bubble might’ve burst in a big way after the blowout loss.
Nevada has fallen to the “Next 4 Out” following that 34-point shellacking, and the Lobos couldn’t be happier.
Prior to his stint in Reno, Alford roamed the sidelines for New Mexico. And he saw incredible success with the program posting 20-win campaigns in each of his six seasons.
That included four conference titles, three Big Dance appearances, and two Top 10 finishes.
But rather than stick around and build on that foundation, he bolted for UCLA where he was fired six years later. That initial departure didn’t sit well with the New Mexico faithful, and many still hold a bit of a grudge.
It made the win on Sunday all the more satisfying.
“Don’t mess with happy!” -Steve Alford… who then messed with happy.
“If you build it, they will come.” – some dude in a movie
The only thing deeper than The Pit is the Lobos’ bench. You can build your own dynasty right where you are. – some guy on a couch
— NM Sky Shots (@LoneLobo4) January 29, 2024
Thank you for embarrassing @SteveAlford . That was a satisfying experience. Let’s build a legacy coach.
— El chingon 🔮 (@J_in_da_505) January 29, 2024
New Mexico moved up to No. 19 in the latest AP Poll after the win. They’ll look to continue the success as they push for the postseason.