Preview: New Mexico Lobos at Colorado State Rams

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Interstat) — A key early-season Mountain West Conference men’s basketball clash is set for Tuesday night when the New Mexico Lobos visit the Colorado State Rams at Moby Arena.

Both teams enter with momentum, coming off convincing road victories this past Saturday. New Mexico (11-3) handled Wyoming 78-58 behind a career-high 25 points from forward Tomislav Buljan. Colorado State (10-4) secured a notable 70-60 win at Grand Canyon.

The matchup features two of the league’s most productive forwards. Buljan, New Mexico’s player to watch, is averaging 18.3 points over his last three games, providing a consistent scoring punch. For the Rams, junior Carey Booth is coming off a 19-point performance against Grand Canyon and has shown elite shot-blocking ability, recording six blocks in a loss to Nevada on Dec. 30.

The Lobos’ three losses have come by an average of just 7.6 points, including a 62-53 defeat at Boise State on Dec. 30. Their offense has been potent otherwise, scoring 75 or more points in nine of their 11 wins. Colorado State’s season has been marked by explosive offensive nights but also stark defensive lapses, most notably in a 100-58 loss at Utah State.

Historically, games between these rivals in Fort Collins are tightly contested. The Rams will rely on their home court advantage, where they are 6-2 this season, to counter New Mexico’s high-scoring attack. The Lobos will look to establish an early conference road win before a challenging January schedule.

Tuesday’s winner will gain valuable positioning in the Mountain West standings, a conference where road victories are a premium. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.