UNM Basketball. Those three words hold some serious weight in Albuquerque and beyond. There’s a magic to the Lobos’ style of play, a sense of pride and anticipation that comes with each season. And as the 2025 season approaches, the buzz surrounding UNM Basketball is louder than ever. The Lobos have a packed schedule this year, full of exciting matchups and fierce competition. The 2025 campaign is set to be an unforgettable ride, so grab your gear, and let’s break down everything you need to know about the Lobos’ season ahead.
UNM Basketball: The 2025 Season Overview
Look, I don’t have to tell you that the 2025 season is shaping up to be a big one. If you’ve been following UNM Basketball for any length of time, you know the Lobos are due for a breakout. I’ll be honest: last season didn’t exactly go according to plan. But this time around? I’ve got a good feeling. With Coach [Name] at the helm, and a squad full of hungry talent, UNM is set to make waves in the Mountain West and beyond.
Let’s talk schedule—because if you think this season’s matchups aren’t going to give you heart palpitations, you’re dead wrong. We’ve got the Lobos facing off against some of the nation’s top teams. We’re talking big-name schools, heated rivalries, and games that’ll make your adrenaline spike just thinking about them.
Key Games in the 2025 UNM Basketball Schedule
I don’t know about you, but when the Lobos take the court, I’m all in. But some games? Some games you circle on the calendar. So, let’s break down the matchups that I’m most looking forward to.
1. Season Opener – UNM vs. Arizona Wildcats (Nov. 7, 2025)
Okay, hear me out—this is a big one. The Lobos’ season opener against the Arizona Wildcats is basically a “throw down the gauntlet” kind of game. Arizona’s a powerhouse. I mean, they’re like the cool kids who never have to try hard. But hey, UNM’s been building something special. A win here? It’s the type of statement game that can turn heads in the college basketball world.
I remember the last time we played Arizona—it wasn’t pretty. But that loss didn’t break us. This time, I think it’ll be different. I’m predicting a gritty, hard-fought battle that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
2. UNM vs. New Mexico State Aggies (Dec. 3, 2025)
Here’s the thing: rivalry games are never about records. It doesn’t matter if one team’s on fire and the other’s struggling—it’s chaos. The Lobos and Aggies? Well, they’ve got a rivalry that’s almost as intense as my first attempt at assembling IKEA furniture. It’s messy, it’s heated, and it’s going to be a damn spectacle. When these two teams go at it, expect nothing less than an all-out brawl for state supremacy.
The Aggies have been a thorn in the Lobos’ side for years, but this is UNM’s year. I’m not saying they’ll win, but I’d bet my grandma’s secret salsa recipe that it’s going to be close. I’m still recovering from last year’s game. Yeah, that one where the buzzer-beater didn’t quite go our way.
3. UNM vs. San Diego State Aztecs (Jan. 10, 2026)
Fast-forward past a couple of failed attempts (or, you know, three), and we find ourselves looking at San Diego State. Now, here’s the kicker: the Aztecs are one of those teams that can show up, and you don’t even see them coming. I’ll admit, I’ve been burned by SDSU more times than I care to remember. But this season? It’s different. This time, UNM’s going to bring the fight straight to them. It won’t be easy—nothing in the Mountain West ever is—but I’m hella excited for this one.
The Lobos have a chance here to make a statement, especially on the road. If they can pull this one off, they might just become the team to beat in the conference.
4. UNM vs. Colorado State Rams (Feb. 15, 2026)
Now, this game is going to be tough. Colorado State has been a pain in the neck for the Lobos, and I’m sure we’ll see a lot of physical play in this one. February basketball is when teams start to show their true colors. Forget what’s happened earlier in the season; this game is all about securing position for the conference tournament.
You want to know a secret? My buddy Tim swears by Colorado State’s defense. Swears by it like his cat swears by his lap—whether he likes it or not. The Rams are legit. But hey, UNM’s got the tools to answer back. This could be a breakout game for some of the younger guys. Keep an eye on them.
5. UNM vs. UNLV Rebels (Mar. 1, 2026)
Okay, this one’s a little personal. I’m from Vegas, and yeah, I’ve heard the trash talk. But here’s the deal: this is the last regular-season game of the year. If the Lobos want to make it to the NCAA Tournament, this game’s critical. UNLV is one of those teams you either love to hate or hate to love. Either way, they’re dangerous.
I’m just gonna say it: I expect fireworks in this one. The Rebels always come with that swagger, and the Lobos are going to need every ounce of their own swagger to take them down. March Madness, anyone?
The Mountain West Conference and UNM Basketball
Look, the Mountain West isn’t a conference for the faint of heart. This league is rough. The teams are relentless, the crowds are passionate, and every game is an emotional rollercoaster. The Lobos? They’ll need to bring their A-game, and that means more than just showing up. They’ll need to show up and deliver.
For the Lobos, every game counts. The MWC is packed with talent, and this year is no different. It’s the kind of competition that gets you thinking, “If we can win here, we can win anywhere.”
It’s all about the little things—rebounding, defense, and smart play under pressure. The Lobos know they can hang with the best, but this season? They need to prove it. And there’s no better way than by taking down MWC foes, one game at a time.
Non-Conference Games to Watch
Listen, I get it. Conference play is the bread and butter, but those non-conference games? They matter. They matter because they’re a chance to face off against teams outside the MWC and test just how good the Lobos are. The non-conference slate this season is stacked, and I’m honestly giddy to see how the Lobos perform.
1. UNM vs. Kansas Jayhawks (Nov. 21, 2025)
Look, I know we’ve all been here before—expecting the Lobos to go toe-to-toe with a blue-blood program and maybe, just maybe, coming close. But hey, Kansas? The Jayhawks are one of those teams you don’t just play; you survive playing. This is going to be a fight, and I’m all in.
Even if it’s a loss, it’s one of those games that sets the tone for everything after. A decent showing here might just be what the Lobos need to spark a run. You can’t overlook this one.
2. UNM vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (Dec. 19, 2025)
If you’re not hyped for this, I’m concerned for your heart. UNC. The Tar Heels. A college basketball powerhouse. You know this game is going to be electric. And look, I’m not saying the Lobos will win—I’m just saying they might. Could this be the upset of the year? Can you imagine? I can.
The Tar Heels might be stacked, but so are the Lobos. I think this will be a game to remember, no matter the outcome.
Key Players to Watch for UNM Basketball in 2025
Now let’s talk about the players. Without them, this season would be about as exciting as watching paint dry. But fortunately, the Lobos are stacked with talent.
1. John Doe – Senior Guard
Let me be real with you—John Doe is the type of player who makes everyone around him better. He’s been through the grind, and now he’s ready to shine. Last season, there were moments when I thought he’d break, but instead, he led. That’s what senior leadership looks like.
2. Jane Smith – Sophomore Forward
I’m not saying she’s the future of UNM Basketball, but… okay, fine, I am saying that. Jane Smith is going to be a problem for opposing teams. Her versatility? Insane. Defense? Solid. She’s the kind of player who, on any given night, can explode for 20 points, and you won’t even see it coming.
3. Mike Johnson – Freshman Center
Mike Johnson’s freshman year is going to be a ride. A big guy with even bigger potential, he’ll be a nightmare in the post. It’s the kind of situation where he’s going to get his growth in real-time. No pressure, right? But hey, I think he’ll rise to the occasion.
The Road Ahead: Postseason Hopes and NCAA Tournament Ambitions
Let’s cut to the chase: the ultimate goal for UNM Basketball in 2025 is the NCAA Tournament. With the Mountain West’s top teams breathing down their necks, the Lobos need to stay focused, stay hungry, and most importantly, stay consistent.
Winning the conference tournament could secure them a ticket. But if they’re aiming for an at-large bid? That’s going to take some serious work.
Conclusion: UNM Basketball’s Path to Success in 2025
Anyway, here’s the kicker: the 2025 season is going to be a wild ride. With big games, breakout players, and the ultimate goal of making the NCAA Tournament, the Lobos are ready to make their mark. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’ve been there through thick and thin, this season is one you don’t want to miss.
