Preview: Grand Canyon Antelopes at New Mexico Lobos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — A surging New Mexico team hosts a dangerous Grand Canyon squad in a key nonconference men’s basketball matchup Tuesday night at The Pit.

The Lobos (13-3) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 91-49 road victory at Air Force on Saturday. New Mexico has been formidable at home, boasting a perfect 8-0 record in Albuquerque this season.

Grand Canyon (10-5) has won four of its last five, most recently defeating San Jose State 76-58 at home on Saturday. The Antelopes have proven capable on the road, with notable wins at Boise State and Wyoming in December.

The game features a compelling individual matchup between two of the region’s top guards. New Mexico’s Jake Hall is coming off a 24-point, 7-rebound performance against Air Force and has averaged 17.2 points over his last five games. For Grand Canyon, Jaden Henley has been a consistent offensive catalyst, averaging 18.4 points over that same stretch, including a 29-point outburst against IUPUI and 22 at Boise State.

New Mexico’s recent success has been fueled by balance. Alongside Hall, forward Tomislav Buljan is a force on the glass, grabbing 14 rebounds against Air Force, and guard Tajavis Miller adds scoring punch. Grand Canyon counters with its own depth, as evidenced by Efe Demirel (14 points) and Dusty Stromer (12 points) providing key support alongside Henley in the win over San Jose State.

The Lobos’ only loss in their last seven games was a 62-53 setback at Boise State on Dec. 30. Grand Canyon’s recent loss was a 70-60 home defeat to Colorado State on Jan. 3.

This contest serves as a final major nonconference test for both programs before the heart of league play. The Antelopes and Lobos are scheduled to meet again in a conference rematch on Feb. 11 in Phoenix.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MST Tuesday at University Arena, known as The Pit.