New Mexico’s basketball team entered Saturday’s game against San Diego State firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Things did not good for the Lobos, who trailed by four with 16 seconds left to play. Then, things changed — and changed again.
New Mexico’s Jamal Mashburn was fouled shooting a three and sunk all three free throws, cutting the deficit to one. The Lobos then got a steal and a layup from Jaelen House to go up one. The thrill of victory for New Mexico quickly turned into the agony of defeat.
With six seconds left, San Diego State inbounded the ball to Lamont Butler. He dribbled down the floor, pulled up at the three-point line and drilled a three-pointer at the horn.
SAN DIEGO STATE, ONIONS! LAMONT BUTLER BUZZER-BEATING 3 FOR THE WIN IN THE PIT! 🧅🧅🧅
Heartbreaking and devastating loss for New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/c4xwjq2m6c
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 26, 2023
College basketball fans had a lot to say about the wild finish at the Pit in New Mexico.
Butler turns what would have been a horrendous loss into a spectacular win and another MW championship banner will be coming to Viejas. https://t.co/rmmGP4WFsk
— Jay Posner (@JayPosnerSD) February 26, 2023
What a crazy day of college basketball!
This is February https://t.co/CgNcmj59Ru
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) February 26, 2023
What a game! https://t.co/599IABSppq
— David Cordero (@davidcorderosr) February 26, 2023
THIS IS MARCH https://t.co/uUoO784ZdT
— Bullpen Insider Jeff Everson (@EVR551) February 26, 2023
This did not suck. https://t.co/nkaUF8rFA2
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 26, 2023
The loss was crucial for the Lobos. New Mexico, which started the season 14-0, now figures to have a hard time even making the NCAA Tournament. In fact, Jeff Borzello of ESPN noted that with the loss, the Lobos are now likely out of the NCAA Tournament mix — barring a Mountain West Tournament win, of course.
That Lamont Butler buzzer 3 likely pops New Mexico’s bubble. Lobos have now lost six of their last seven games and are 7-9 in the Mountain West. They were the nation’s last unbeaten team at 14-0 — and they likely need to win the Mountain West tournament to go dancing.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) February 26, 2023
Beating the Aztecs — who are almost certainly bound for the NCAA Tournament — would have done wonders for the Lobos. The finish of this game showed how much things can change in a matter of seconds.
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