NCAA Basketball Recap (Ark Pine Bluff-New Mexico)
Posted: Thur December 3, 1998 at 1:10 a.m EST
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (Ticker) -- Freshman John Robinson
scored a season-high 25 points, added eight assists and three
steals and Damion Walker added 22 points as New
Mexico shook off an early test before rolling to a 97-72 victory
over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
New Mexico (5-0) led 22-17 with just over 11 minutes left in the
first half, but scored 16 of the next 23 points to break open
the game. The Lobos played without leading scorer Lamont Long,
who averaged 26.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in his first four
games.
"Lamont Long, we decided to sit him out, so we only had seven
people who could really play," said Lobos coach Dave Bliss.
The win was the 32nd straight non-conference victory at the Pit
for New Mexico, which recorded its highest scoring output of the
season.
The Lobos, who are still playing without forward Kenny Thomas,
have feasted on four lesser opponents after starting the season
with a one-point victory over DePaul. New Mexico's last three
opponents -- Cornell, Northeastern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff --
are a combined 5-9. The Lobos also played Simon Fraser, a
non-Division I school.
Thomas is sitting out the first six games of the season as part
of a settlement with the NCAA over academic discrepancies. He
is expected back with the team December 19th.
"This was a very difficult ballgame for us," added Bliss. "No
doubt, John Robinson had a fantastic game. We had great play in
the post."
Terrance Duncan had 15 and Ben Coleman added 13 for the Golden
Lions (0-5), who are playing seven of their first eight games on
the road. Arkansas-Pine Bluff has lost its five games by an
average of 30.2 points.
New Mexico raced to a 16-8 lead less than five minutes into the
contest but the Lions countered by scoring nine of the next 15
points. Robinson, who made 9-of-15 shots from the floor and
5-of-6 free throw attempts, had 13 in the first half as the
Lobos led 53-38 at the break.
Since 1995-96, the Lobos are 66-3 when they lead at halftime.
Things were not much better for Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the
second half as it was outsocred 19-11 over the opening nine
minutes. The Owls shot just 31 percent (11-of-35) in the final
20 minutes and made only 5-of-20 three-point shots in the second
half.
Kevin Henry had 13 points and nine rebounds, Greg Davis added 12
points and five assists and Brian Smith and Roland Hannah had 10
points apiece for the Lobos. Hannah, who also had 10 rebounds
for his first career double-double, added six assists.
"I though Brian and Greg backed up Walker real well," added
Bliss. "We are pleased with the victory. It got a little
sloppy at then end, trying to let other guys play."
Arkansas-Pine Bluff held its own on the boards but was hurt by
19 turnovers and 25-of-70 shooting overall.
© 1998 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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