Full Breakdown
NIT Quarterfinals: New Mexico Lobos vs. Saint Joseph's Hawks Preview
3/24/2026, 8:45:10 PM
Matchup Overview
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) quarterfinals feature a compelling clash between the New Mexico Lobos and the Saint Joseph's Hawks on March 24, 2026, at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The game is set to tip off at 9:00 PM EDT and will be broadcast on ESPN2. New Mexico, the No. 1 seed, enters the matchup with a record of 25-10, while Saint Joseph's, the only unseeded team remaining, boasts a record of 24-11.
New Mexico Lobos: Season Highlights
New Mexico has demonstrated a strong performance throughout the season, particularly at home, where they hold a 16-3 record. The Lobos advanced to the quarterfinals after impressive victories over Sam Houston State (107-83) and George Washington (86-61), marking the first time since 2008 that a team reached the NIT quarters with back-to-back wins of 20 points or more. Key players include freshman Jake Hall, who leads the team with an average of 16.0 points per game, and Tomislav Buljan, who contributes a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
Saint Joseph's Hawks: Road to the Quarterfinals
Saint Joseph's has made a remarkable run in the NIT, highlighted by a stunning comeback against California, overcoming a 19-point deficit to win 76-75. Under first-year coach Steve Donahue, the Hawks have shown resilience, particularly in close games, boasting a 6-0 record in contests decided by three points or fewer this season. The team is led by first-team All-Atlantic 10 pick Derek Simpson, who averages 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
Tactical Breakdown
Both teams favor an up-tempo style of play, which suggests a high-scoring affair. New Mexico excels in fast-break opportunities and ranks highly in turnover margin, while Saint Joseph's has improved its defensive performance significantly, allowing just 66.6 points per game over the last 19 contests. The Hawks' ability to force turnovers and convert them into points will be crucial against New Mexico's potent offense.
Historical Context
This matchup marks the third meeting between the two programs, with both teams having won once previously. The last encounter occurred on December 30, 1999, when Saint Joseph's triumphed 81-76. The historical significance adds an intriguing layer to this quarterfinal clash.
Official Statements & Responses
New Mexico's head coach Eric Olen expressed confidence in his team's performance, stating, "We always love the opportunity to play here... they’re playing good basketball, they’re still competing at a high level." Meanwhile, Donahue emphasized his team's growth, noting, "We’ve shown we can win in difficult environments."
What's Next
The winner of this quarterfinal will advance to the NIT semifinals on April 2, 2026, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where they will face either Tulsa or Wichita State.
Conclusion
As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the Lobos' home-court advantage and depth will be tested against the Hawks' resilience and ability to execute under pressure. The outcome will likely hinge on which team can better control the tempo and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
