LAS VEGAS — The University of New Mexico men's basketball team — which was a preseason prediction to finish in ninth place — wasn't supposed to be here.
The Lobos were mired in mediocrity, staring at a 3-8 record after suffering an 89-73 loss to the Arizona Wildcats on Dec. 16 earlier in the season. There probably weren't many who believed the team had the talent to compete, but several months later, the narrative has changed.
Head coach Paul Weir sat at the podium with two key players from Friday night's 83-68 triumph over Utah State. Weir said the decision to select senior Sam Logwood and junior guard Troy Simons to join him on the dais was a deliberate won, saying they embodied what this year's Lobo team is all about.