Lobos Confront Pivotal February Challenge in Phoenix Desert Showdown
The New Mexico Lobos face a crucial matchup against the Grand Canyon Lopes on February 11, 2026. This vital
Lobos Confront Pivotal February Challenge in Phoenix Desert Showdown
This game will take place at the Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix. The Lobos enter with an 18-6 record and a 9-4 standing in the Mountain West Conference (MWC). The Lopes have a 15-8 record with an 8-4 MWC mark. Earlier this season, the Lobos secured a convincing 87-64 victory against GCU at their home court in Albuquerque.
Recent Struggles and Opportunities
The Lobos are dealing with back-to-back home losses for the first time since mid-November. They suffered an 86-66 loss against Utah State and a last-second 91-90 defeat to Boise State on February 7. With the regular season winding down, this game has significant implications for their playoff aspirations.
GCU currently sits at 70 in the NCAA NET rankings and aims for a quad 1 victory against the Lobos, whose NET ranking is approximately 45. The outcome of this game is critical for both teams as they strive to improve their standings.
Game Details
- Teams: New Mexico Lobos vs. Grand Canyon Lopes
- Date: February 11, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Global Credit Union Arena, Phoenix
- TV: Fox Sports 1
- Radio: Lobo Radio Network
- Spread: Grand Canyon favored at -1.5
- Total (Over/Under): 148.5
- Moneyline Odds: New Mexico +104, Grand Canyon -122
Key Players to Watch
The Lobos’ top scorer is freshman guard Jake Hall, averaging 15.5 points per game. Veteran guard Dayton Albury contributes both on offense and defense, while JT Rock anchors the paint. T. Buljan is a rebounding force, averaging 9.9 rebounds per game.
The Lopes rely on Jaden Henley to lead their scoring, averaging 17.1 points per game. Nana Owusu-Anane is key in rebounding with 8.7 per game, and Caleb Shaw, when healthy, provides important two-way play.
Challenges and Environment
Playing at the Global Credit Union Arena presents unique challenges. The Lopes’ crowd, known as The Havocs, provides a loud and intimidating atmosphere. New Mexico must match GCU’s intensity to succeed in this challenging environment.
Both teams must focus on rebounding and controlling turnovers. The Lobos are known for their scoring depth, which could play a crucial role in this close contest. As February progresses, every game carries increased significance, making this encounter vital for postseason positioning.
This matchup has all the elements of a tight contest that could be decided in the final moments. A win for New Mexico would be a significant boost, potentially influencing their path toward Selection Sunday.
