In the first game of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, the Lobos succumb to Auburn's tough defense.
UNM's Cullen Neal came out hot to start this game, scoring 11 of the Lobos first 14 points. During that time he went 3/3 from long distance, one of which was a deep three that he banked in on a "heat check." Though Auburn hung with New Mexico out the gate, seeing the Lobos looking so sharp from beyond the arc game hope to Lobo nation. They jumped out to a six point lead in the first six minutes.
Then something happened around midway through the first half: Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl had the Tigers ramp up their defense.