New Mexico Edges Fresno State in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Save Mart Center
New Mexico Lobos 80, Fresno State Bulldogs 78, 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 New Mexico Lobos vs Fresno State Bulldogs?
New Mexico Lobos beat Fresno State Bulldogs 80-78 at Save Mart Center on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in New Mexico Lobos vs Fresno State Bulldogs?
New Mexico Lobos were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the New Mexico Lobos narrowly defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs with a final score of 80-78 at the Save Mart Center. This victory adds to New Mexico's impressive season, improving their record to 22 wins and 6 losses, while Fresno State falls to 12 wins and 16 losses.
New Mexico entered the game with a strong recent form, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last 10 games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 83.2 points scored and allowed 73.7 points during this stretch. In their last outing, they convincingly defeated the Air Force Falcons 98-61. Conversely, Fresno State's recent performances have been less favorable, with a 5-5 record over their last 10 games and a current losing streak of one game. They averaged 76.2 points scored while allowing 75.3 points in this same period. Their last game resulted in a loss against the Wyoming Cowboys, where they fell 82-92.
At home, Fresno State has a record of 4-1 in their last five games, but their overall home record stands at 8-7. In contrast, New Mexico has performed well on the road, holding a 3-1 record in their last four away games. The two teams had met previously this season, with New Mexico winning that contest 83-74 on January 22, 2026, marking their third consecutive victory over Fresno State in head-to-head matchups.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details regarding player availability for either team, which could have influenced the game dynamics. However, the absence of key players can often play a significant role in such close contests.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had New Mexico favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds for New Mexico to win straight up were -500, while Fresno State's moneyline was listed at +380. This indicates a strong expectation for New Mexico to secure the win, reflecting their superior record and recent form.
The game was played under typical indoor basketball conditions, with no specific mention of unusual weather or external factors affecting gameplay. Viewers were treated to a thrilling second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key scoring plays included a 16-foot jumper by Jake Hall that brought New Mexico ahead, followed by a layup from Wilson Jacques that tied the game at 74. Deyton Albury's contributions were crucial, as he scored multiple times, including a free throw that pushed New Mexico to an 80-76 lead late in the game.
Ultimately, the match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with New Mexico managing to hold on for the win despite Fresno State's efforts to rally back. The close scoreline reflects the intensity of the matchup and the resilience of both squads.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNM -9.5 | 156.5 o -108 / u -112 | New Mexico Lobos -500 · Fresno State Bulldogs +380 |
Leaders
- PointsJake Heidbreder22Fresno State Bulldogs
- AssistsJake Heidbreder4Fresno State Bulldogs
- ReboundsWilson Jacques10Fresno State Bulldogs
- PointsDeyton Albury21New Mexico Lobos
- AssistsTomislav Buljan2New Mexico Lobos
- ReboundsDeyton Albury8New Mexico Lobos
Recent form
Fresno State Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L176.2 scored · 75.3 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L82-92at Wyoming CowboysFeb 18
- W93-63vs Air Force FalconsFeb 14
- L78-91at Utah State AggiesFeb 11
- L59-69at Nevada Wolf PackFeb 8
- W98-96vs UNLV RebelsFeb 4
- W79-62at Air Force FalconsJan 31
- L57-68vs Grand Canyon LopesJan 25
- L74-83at New Mexico LobosJan 22
- W63-60vs Wyoming CowboysJan 18
- W79-69vs Colorado State RamsJan 14
New Mexico Lobos
Last 10: 7-3Streak W283.2 scored · 73.7 allowed per game3-1 away
- W98-61vs Air Force FalconsFeb 18
- 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
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 | New Mexico Lobos | Fresno State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-60 | 33-63 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 7-23 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 30 |
| Free throws | 11-13 | 5-9 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 56 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 7 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 48 |
| Fouls | 13 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 22 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 17 | 76 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-51Luke Haupt makes layup
- 2nd Half37-51DeShawn Gory makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-51Deyton Albury makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-51Deyton Albury makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-51Deyton Albury makes layup
- 2nd Half43-52Jake Heidbreder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-52JT Rock makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half48-52Deyton Albury makes layup
- 2nd Half48-54Wilson Jacques makes layup
- 2nd Half50-54Antonio Chol makes layup (JT Rock assists)
- 2nd Half52-54JT Rock makes layup (Jake Hall assists)
- 2nd Half52-56DeShawn Gory makes layup (Jake Heidbreder assists)
- 2nd Half54-56Jake Hall makes layup
- 2nd Half54-58Wilson Jacques makes 14-foot jumper (Zaon Collins assists)
- 2nd Half54-60Wilson Jacques makes layup
- 2nd Half57-60JT Rock makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tajavis Miller assists)
- 2nd Half59-60Deyton Albury makes layup
- 2nd Half61-60Deyton Albury makes layup (Uriah Tenette assists)
- 2nd Half61-62DeShawn Gory makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-62Luke Haupt makes layup
- 2nd Half65-62Luke Haupt makes layup
- 2nd Half65-64Jake Heidbreder makes layup
- 2nd Half65-66Wilson Jacques makes layup (DeShawn Gory assists)
- 2nd Half66-66Deyton Albury makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Jake Hall makes layup
- 2nd Half68-68Jake Heidbreder makes layup
- 2nd Half69-68Tomislav Buljan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-68Tomislav Buljan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-70Jake Heidbreder makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-70Tomislav Buljan makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half72-71Zaon Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Zaon Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Jake Hall makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-74Wilson Jacques makes layup (Jake Heidbreder assists)
- 2nd Half76-74Deyton Albury makes layup (Tomislav Buljan assists)
- 2nd Half77-74Deyton Albury makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half77-76Jake Heidbreder makes layup
- 2nd Half79-76Jake Hall makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half80-76Deyton Albury makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-78Zaon Collins makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Fresno State Bulldogs, below favours New Mexico Lobos.
Venue
- Save Mart CenterFresno, CA
- Attendance5402
- OfficialsJose Carrion, Jim Bruno, Scott Brown
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