ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The Lobos return to the road to face their fourth Big 12 team of the season against Arizona on Sunday afternoon.

After going 1-1 at the Florida Gulf Classic to close November, UNM enters the game 6-3 on the season. For Arizona, the Wildcats are 6-1, with all seven games at home, and coming off of a 63-57 loss to Southern on Wednesday.

SERIES HISTORY

This will be the 21st meeting against the Wildcats and the 10th meeting in Tucson. The Lobos last played Arizona in Tucson in 2021. Of note, the last two meetings have ended with identical final scores of 77-60 with Arizona winning both times.

UNM’s last win in the series was in 2009,an 81-61 win in Tucson.

FAST START

The Lobos scored the first six points of the game against UT Martin and never trailed in the 77-45 win, continuing a trend of getting out to fast starts.

The Lobos also made four of their first five shots in the season opener against Northern Arizona with Nayli Padilla accounting for five points. At Colorado, CU scored the first six points of the game, but three-pointers from Destinee Hooks and Clarissa Craig tied the game and two free throws by Craig and a basket by Joana Magalhães continued the Lobo run for the 10-6 UNM lead.

Against New Orleans, the Lobos scored the first seven points, built a 15-4 lead within the first 4:29 with the lead growing to 21 at 27-6 behind a 9-0 run in a span of 1:11. A jumper from Hooks with 18 seconds left closed the quarter with UNM leading 37-12. The Lobos shot 72.2% in the first quarter on 13-18 shooting with five three-pointers. UNM scored 65 points in the first two quarters.

In the game against Chicago State, UNM closed the first quarter on a 6-0 run on three-pointers from Hooks and Cacia Antonio for the 20-12 lead thru the first. The run continued into the second quarter with a Craig layup and Alyssa Hargrove basket to extend the lead to 12 less than a minute in, ultimately scoring the first 18 points of the quarter to grow the lead to 38-12. Chicago State’s first points came at the 4:07 mark on a free throw. Of note, the 24-0 run between the first and second quarter marked the longest run for the Lobos this season. New Mexico outscored the Cougars 24-5 in the second quarter, holding CSU to 12.5% shooting in the second quarter while shooting 52.4%, and held the Cougars to 19.4 % in the half.

UNM is outscoring opponents 146-117 (+29) in the first quarter, 191-120 in the second quarter (+71) and 337-237 (+100) in the first 20 minutes.

WIN THE QUARTER

The Lobos have won the second quarter in seven games this season, scoring 20-plus points in six games (twice with 28 points, twice with 22 points, once with 24 and once with 20) and holding opponents to 16 points or fewer in six.

Further, UNM has outscored its opponent in the first quarter four times (NAU, UNO, UTM, CSU), the third quarter four times (UNO, NAU, NMSU, UTM) and the fourth quarter five times (NAU, AT, UTM, UC, CSU).

The Lobos have also held their opponent below 10 points in a quarter four times this season (five in the fourth quarter against NAU, five in the second qurter against Chicago State, four in the second quarter against NMSU and seven in the second quarter against UTM).

Three times, the Lobos have held their opponent below 20 points at the half: 15 points (New Mexico State), 17 points (Chicago State) and 18 points (UT Martin).

UNM is 4-0 when leading

Shayla Hooks: A Rising Star in Women’s Collage Basketball

Shayla Hooks is a standout guard for the University of New Mexico lobos women’s basketball team, quickly establishing herself as a key player with her scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and all-around impact on the court. Her consistent performance has been instrumental in the Lobos’ success, and she is attracting attention as a player to watch in the Mountain West Conference and beyond.

Early Career and Progress

Hooks joined the New Mexico lobos after a triumphant high school career. While specific details of her early playing years are still developing in public profiles, her impact at the collegiate level has been immediate.She has demonstrated a versatile skillset, capable of scoring both inside and outside the arc, and a tenacious approach to rebounding.

Key Performances and Statistics (2023-2024 Season)

Hooks has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the 2023-2024 season. Her ability to score in multiple ways makes her a arduous matchup for opponents.

game Against Boise State

In a recent game against Boise State on February 24, 2024, Hooks led the Lobos with 23 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the floor and 3-of-6 from three-point range.She also contributed with seven rebounds. GoColumbiaSu

Game Against North Carolina A&T

Against North Carolina A&T, Hooks scored eight of her 20 points in the second quarter, showcasing her ability to take over games in crucial moments. She also led the team with seven rebounds (four offensive). GoColumbiaSu

Statistical Overview

• Points Per Game: Consistently averages double-digit points.
• Rebounds Per Game: A strong rebounder for her position,averaging around 7 rebounds per game.
• Shooting Percentage: Demonstrates efficient shooting from both inside and outside.

Strengths and Playing Style

Hooks’ strengths lie in her versatility and competitive spirit. She is a capable ball-handler, passer, and defender, making her a well-rounded player. Her ability to create her own shot and attack the basket makes her a constant threat to opposing defenses. Her rebounding ability is particularly notable for a guard, giving the Lobos extra possessions and second-chance opportunities.

Future Outlook

As Shayla Hooks continues to develop, she has the potential to become one of the top players in the Mountain West Conference. Her dedication to improvement and her impact on the court suggest a luminous future in collegiate basketball. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how she continues to elevate her game and lead the new Mexico Lobos to success.

Key Takeaways

• Shayla Hooks is a key player for the New Mexico Lobos women’s basketball team.
• She is a versatile scorer and a strong rebounder for her position.
• Hooks has demonstrated consistent performance in key games.
• She has a bright future in collegiate basketball.

Publication Date: 2025/12/04 23:36:32