New Mexico Lobos Edge VCU Rams in Close Contest
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Siegel Center
New Mexico Lobos 81, VCU Rams 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 VCU Rams?
New Mexico Lobos beat VCU Rams 81-78 at Siegel Center on December 10, 2025.
Who was favored in New Mexico Lobos vs VCU Rams?
VCU Rams were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Siegel Center, the New Mexico Lobos narrowly defeated the VCU Rams with a final score of 81-78. This game was particularly significant as it marked the second meeting between these two teams this season, with New Mexico having previously won their first encounter on December 19, 2024, by a score of 78-71.
The Lobos entered the game with an impressive away record of 8-2 and riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing their strong form. Their recent performance included a dominant 98-71 victory against the Santa Clara Broncos just days prior to this matchup. New Mexico averaged 80.9 points per game over their last ten games, with an average of 69.3 points allowed, indicating a solid offensive and defensive balance.
On the other hand, the VCU Rams had a home record of 6-4 and were looking to extend their winning streak to three games after recent victories against Samford Bulldogs and Virginia Tech Hokies. VCU's scoring average at home was 82.7 points, while they allowed 70.1 points per game, which reflects their ability to score effectively, especially in front of their home crowd.
The game began with both teams exchanging baskets, but it was the Lobos who found themselves in a tight contest as the second half progressed. Key plays in the final moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Michael Belle, assisted by Terrence Hill Jr., which gave New Mexico a 75-73 lead. Lazar Djokovic responded for VCU with a jumper to tie the game at 75. However, it was Jake Hall's three-pointer that pushed the Lobos ahead again at 78-75.
As the game drew to a close, Uriah Tenette made two free throws to extend New Mexico's lead to 80-75. VCU's Nyk Lewis managed to cut the deficit to two points with a layup, but Tomislav Buljan's free throw sealed the victory for the Lobos at 81-78.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, so the impact of any absences on either team remains unclear. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had VCU as 8.5-point favorites, with a total set at 157.5 points for the game. This indicates that expectations were high for a competitive matchup, and the eventual outcome certainly delivered on that front.
The conditions in the Siegel Center were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams demonstrating their offensive capabilities throughout the game. Viewers were treated to a showcase of skill, particularly in the second half, where the scoring plays intensified, ultimately leading to a thrilling finish.
Overall, the New Mexico Lobos' victory over the VCU Rams not only adds to their successful season but also highlights the competitive nature of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VCU -8.5 | 157.5 o -112 / u -108 | New Mexico Lobos +320 · VCU Rams -410 |
Leaders
- PointsNyk Lewis14VCU Rams
- AssistsBrandon Jennings6VCU Rams
- ReboundsBarry Evans8VCU Rams
- PointsJake Hall24New Mexico Lobos
- AssistsDeyton Albury2New Mexico Lobos
- ReboundsLuke Haupt7New Mexico Lobos
Recent form
VCU Rams
Last 10: 7-3Streak W282.7 scored · 70.1 allowed per game7-0 at home
- W83-57vs Samford BulldogsDec 6
- W86-68vs Virginia Tech HokiesNov 28
- L74-89at Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 27
- W78-66vs South Florida BullsNov 26
- W101-58vs Coppin State EaglesNov 23
- L79-85at NC State WolfpackNov 18
- W78-61vs Saint Peter's PeacocksNov 13
- L77-80at Utah State AggiesNov 8
- W103-74vs Wagner SeahawksNov 4
- W68-63vs George Mason PatriotsMar 16
New Mexico Lobos
Last 10: 7-3Streak W480.9 scored · 69.3 allowed per game0-1 away
- W98-71vs Santa Clara BroncosDec 7
- W97-47vs New Mexico Highlands CowboysDec 2
- W93-87vs Alabama State HornetsNov 27
- W80-78vs Mississippi State BulldogsNov 22
- L72-84vs Nebraska CornhuskersNov 21
- L68-76at New Mexico State AggiesNov 16
- W82-68vs UC Riverside HighlandersNov 12
- W74-56vs UT Arlington MavericksNov 8
- W76-54vs East Texas A&M LionsNov 6
- L69-72vs Boise State BroncosMar 15
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 |
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | New Mexico Lobos | VCU Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-54 | 24-62 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 8-18 | 7-26 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 27 |
| Free throws | 19-22 | 23-28 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 20 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
| Steals | 4 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 30 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 35 | 53 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half47-47Tomislav Buljan made Layup. Assisted by Chris Howell.
- 2nd Half48-47Tomislav Buljan made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-47Deyton Albury made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-47Deyton Albury made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-50Nyk Lewis made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Brandon Jennings.
- 2nd Half53-50Jake Hall made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half55-50Antonio Chol made Dunk. Assisted by Deyton Albury.
- 2nd Half55-53Nyk Lewis made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Lazar Djokovic.
- 2nd Half55-55Jadrian Tracey made Layup.
- 2nd Half55-56Jadrian Tracey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-56Jake Hall made Layup.
- 2nd Half57-57Brandon Jennings made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-58Brandon Jennings made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-58Tomislav Buljan made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-58Tomislav Buljan made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-60Brandon Jennings made Jumper.
- 2nd Half59-61Brandon Jennings made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-61Luke Haupt made Layup.
- 2nd Half61-62Terrence Hill Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-63Terrence Hill Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-65Barry Evans made Layup. Assisted by Terrence Hill Jr..
- 2nd Half63-65Uriah Tenette made Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-65Luke Haupt made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-65Luke Haupt made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-65JT Rock made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Deyton Albury.
- 2nd Half70-65Uriah Tenette made Layup.
- 2nd Half73-65Deyton Albury made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Luke Haupt.
- 2nd Half74-65Chris Howell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-65Chris Howell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-66Jadrian Tracey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-68Jadrian Tracey made Layup.
- 2nd Half75-70Nyk Lewis made Layup.
- 2nd Half75-73Michael Belle made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Terrence Hill Jr..
- 2nd Half75-75Lazar Djokovic made Jumper. Assisted by Brandon Jennings.
- 2nd Half78-75Jake Hall made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Uriah Tenette.
- 2nd Half79-75Uriah Tenette made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-75Uriah Tenette made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-76Lazar Djokovic made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-78Nyk Lewis made Layup.
- 2nd Half81-78Tomislav Buljan made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours VCU Rams, below favours New Mexico Lobos.
Venue
- Siegel CenterRichmond, VA
- Attendance7637
- OfficialsPat Driscoll, James Breeding, Matt Potter
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