New Mexico Dominates Air Force in 98-61 Victory
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · The Pit
New Mexico Lobos 98, Air Force Falcons 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Air Force Falcons vs New Mexico Lobos?
New Mexico Lobos beat Air Force Falcons 98-61 at The Pit on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Air Force Falcons vs New Mexico Lobos?
New Mexico Lobos were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -5000 (about 98% implied). The favorite won.
In a commanding performance, the New Mexico Lobos triumphed over the Air Force Falcons with a final score of 98-61 at The Pit. This victory further solidified the Lobos' strong season, as they improved their record to 21-6, while the Falcons fell to 3-24. The game showcased New Mexico's offensive prowess, as they averaged 82.5 points in their last ten games, and their scoring was on full display against an Air Force team struggling throughout the season.
New Mexico entered the game with a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten outings, including a win against the Grand Canyon Lopes just days prior. Their scoring average during this stretch was 82.5 points, while they allowed 72.5 points per game. In contrast, Air Force has had a dismal run, losing their last ten games and averaging only 59.3 points, while conceding an average of 85.1 points. This stark difference in form was evident throughout the game.
At home, New Mexico has been particularly strong, boasting a home record of 14-1, while Air Force struggled on the road with a record of 0-13. Historically, the Lobos have dominated this matchup, winning all three of their previous meetings this season, including a decisive 91-49 victory earlier in January. The trend continued in this latest encounter, as New Mexico maintained control from the outset.
In terms of injuries, there were no significant updates affecting either team leading into the game. The market reflected New Mexico's dominance, with DraftKings setting the spread at -28.5 in favor of the Lobos, indicating strong expectations for their performance. The total for the game was set at 148.5, reflecting anticipated scoring from the high-powered New Mexico offense.
The conditions at The Pit were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the Lobos. As the game progressed, New Mexico's offensive strategy was evident, utilizing effective ball movement and sharp shooting to build their lead. Key scoring plays included a series of three-point shots and layups that kept the pressure on Air Force, who struggled to respond defensively.
Fans and viewers were treated to a display of offensive skill from New Mexico, with several players contributing significantly to the scoreline. The Lobos' ability to score in transition and capitalize on defensive lapses from Air Force was a recurring theme throughout the match. In the second half, New Mexico continued to extend their lead, demonstrating their depth and versatility as a team.
Overall, this game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two programs, with New Mexico solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the league, while Air Force continues to seek answers to their struggles this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNM -28.5 | 148.5 o -112 / u -108 | Air Force Falcons +1800 · New Mexico Lobos -5000 |
Leaders
- PointsAntonio Chol20New Mexico Lobos
- AssistsDeyton Albury6New Mexico Lobos
- ReboundsTomislav Buljan10New Mexico Lobos
- PointsKam Sanders13Air Force Falcons
- AssistsKam Sanders2Air Force Falcons
- ReboundsKam Sanders5Air Force Falcons
Recent form
New Mexico Lobos
Last 10: 7-3Streak W182.5 scored · 72.5 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W70-64at Grand Canyon LopesFeb 12
- L90-91vs Boise State BroncosFeb 8
- L66-86vs Utah State AggiesFeb 5
- W90-80at San José State SpartansFeb 1
- W89-61at UNLV RebelsJan 28
- W80-73vs Nevada Wolf PackJan 25
- W83-74vs Fresno State BulldogsJan 22
- L79-83at San Diego State AztecsJan 18
- W87-64vs Grand Canyon LopesJan 14
- W91-49at Air Force FalconsJan 10
Air Force Falcons
Last 10: 0-10Streak L1059.3 scored · 85.1 allowed per game0-5 away
- L63-93at Fresno State BulldogsFeb 14
- L74-91vs Colorado State RamsFeb 11
- L54-88vs San Diego State AztecsFeb 8
- L57-81at Grand Canyon LopesFeb 4
- L62-79vs Fresno State BulldogsJan 31
- L54-96at Boise State BroncosJan 24
- L52-81at Colorado State RamsJan 21
- L66-81vs Nevada Wolf PackJan 17
- L62-70at San José State SpartansJan 14
- L49-91vs New Mexico LobosJan 10
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | Air Force Falcons | New Mexico Lobos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-56 | 34-62 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 7-31 | 15-31 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 48 |
| Free throws | 12-19 | 15-24 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 33 |
| Assists | 12 | 22 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 34 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 42 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 1 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-50Deyton Albury makes layup
- 1st Half33-52Deyton Albury makes layup
- 1st Half33-55Antonio Chol makes 27-foot three point jumper (Deyton Albury assists)
- 2nd Half35-55Kolby Gilles makes layup
- 2nd Half35-57Antonio Chol makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half35-58Luke Haupt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-58Lucas Hobin makes 13-foot jumper (A.J. Patterson assists)
- 2nd Half38-58Lucas Hobin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half38-60Deyton Albury makes layup
- 2nd Half41-60Lucas Hobin makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ethan Greenberg assists)
- 2nd Half41-63Uriah Tenette makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half41-64Tomislav Buljan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-64Lucas Hobin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-64Lucas Hobin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-66JT Rock makes layup (Tajavis Miller assists)
- 2nd Half45-66Kam Sanders makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half45-69Jake Hall makes 28-foot three point jumper (Luke Haupt assists)
- 2nd Half45-72Tajavis Miller makes 26-foot three point jumper (Uriah Tenette assists)
- 2nd Half45-75Tajavis Miller makes 29-foot three point jumper (JT Rock assists)
- 2nd Half46-75Kam Sanders makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-75Kam Sanders makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-77Deyton Albury makes layup (Tomislav Buljan assists)
- 2nd Half47-79Timéo Pons makes driving layup (Jake Hall assists)
- 2nd Half47-82Timéo Pons makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jake Hall assists)
- 2nd Half47-84Timéo Pons makes 5-foot dunk (Luke Haupt assists)
- 2nd Half47-87JT Rock makes 26-foot three point jumper (Uriah Tenette assists)
- 2nd Half48-87Wesley Celichowski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-90JT Rock makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tajavis Miller assists)
- 2nd Half49-90Riley Dering makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-91Uriah Tenette makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-91Riley Dering makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-91Riley Dering makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-92Deyton Albury makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-93Deyton Albury makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-93Brendan Martin makes layup (Josh Gatete assists)
- 2nd Half56-93Brendan Martin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Justin Hinds assists)
- 2nd Half56-96Antonio Chol makes 23-foot three point jumper (Deyton Albury assists)
- 2nd Half58-96Sam Imade makes layup (Elliott Taite assists)
- 2nd Half58-98Deyton Albury makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-98Elliott Taite makes 27-foot three point jumper (Brendan Martin assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Mexico Lobos, below favours Air Force Falcons.
Venue
- The PitAlbuquerque, NM
- Attendance12291
- OfficialsRob Kueneman, Steve McJunkins, Jason Phillips
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- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
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- New Mexico Dominates Air Force in Convincing WinJan 10, 2026
- New Mexico Dominates Air Force in NCAAF ClashNov 22, 2025