ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- New Mexico defeated Texas Southern 86-57 in what was the season-opener for both teams.
The Lobos broke away on a 15-2 run midway through the first half in which they scored five points, and New Mexico never trailed for the remainder.
The bulk of the Lobos' points through the first 20 minutes came in the low post. New Mexico scored 32 points in the paint while limiting Texas Southern to 10 in the first half.
Texas Southern's last led 11-6 with 17 minutes left in the first half. Forward Malcolm Riley paced Texas Southern with 20 points. Orlando Coleman was the Tigers' leading rebounding with seven.
The Lobos completed 21 of their 29 first-half attempts from the field, but were held to 11 of 25 in the second half. The Tigers also forced them into committing double the turnovers from the first half to the second (from four to nine), finishing with 13 for the game.
The Lobos out-rebounded the Tigers 35-24, and held a 17-7 scoring edge off turnovers and a 13-2 advantage on fast breaks.
Texas Southern plays at Creighton on Saturday in Omaha, Nebraska
