ALBUQUERQUE , NEW MEXICO – A slow start doomed the Idaho State men's basketball team as they dropped their first game of the season 79 to 55 to New Mexico Friday night at "The Pit".
The Lobos got a back alley-oop slam just 12 seconds into the game from Deshawn Delaney that thrilled the 13,927 fans. The home team would quickly extend the advantage to 12-2 and never look back from there.
After trailing by 22 at halftime, ISU battled shot for shot with the reigning Mountain West Conference champions even cutting the lead to 16 with 8:07 left in the game. The Lobos would pull away down the stretch thanks to a hot shooting night from Cullen Neal who finished with 26 points (7-16 FG, 5-10 3PT).
Jeffrey Solarin led the way for ISU with 17 points (7-11 FG), six rebounds and two blocks.
Chris Hansen also added 17 points. Ben Willson scored seven points and pulled down five rebounds.
Idaho State continues their road-trip Sunday afternoon in Colorado against the University of Denver. The Bengals will battle the Pioneers at 4:00 p.m.
Matt Gittins will have the pre-game show beginning at 3:30 p.m. live from Magness Arena on Rock 102 and 930 AM CBS Sports Radio.
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