Lobos’ NIT run ends in semifinal loss to Tulsa

INDIANAPOLIS — That the Lobos season even made it to April in Hinkle Fieldhouse will be the long-term memory. That it ended Thursday night in a poor-shooting, less-than-their best showing in a 74-69 loss to Tulsa in the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament is a sting that’ll take some time to get over, first. So, just what was it about the Golden Hurricane defense that held Lobo leading scorer Jake Hall — who just strung together one of the best freshman seasons in program history and set a program record for 3-pointers — to just three first half points on 1-of-7 shooting?

The answer might be why the sting is especially sharp at the moment for Lobo nation. “Nothing. I mean, I got all the shots I wanted, you know?

” said Hall, who scored 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half, but had to labor to get those and even then, UNM’s first half struggles were never truly overcome. “They were playing with fire. I mean, I got wide open looks, just didn't capitalize.

And it sucks letting these guys down. Wide open 3s. It sucks, man.