ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Lobo Men’s Basketball is coming off a 64-55 victory over Abilene Christian on Wednesday for the 50^th anniversary of “The Pit” game.

They are now 5-2 overall on the season and now heading to Illinois for a Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge game.

They are taking on Illinois State, who is currently 3-2 on the season. The Lobos have had some trouble this season getting out quick, and it’s something that everyone involved with the team has noticed.

“We tend to have slow starts which isn’t New Mexico Basketball at all.” said UNM Guard Xaiver Adams.

It has become something that even Craig Neal has tried to mend through planning and practice.

“I think it has to do with how you approach the first four minutes, and we have went as far as watching every play and we have choreographed the first four plays,” said UNM Head Coach Craig Neal. “You know, that group has to do a better job and if it continues that way we are going to have to change it.”

As of now Tim Williams and Sam Logwood’s status for that Saturday game is unclear, as Logwood is suffering from a leg contusion and Tim Williams sat out last practice because of a neck/head injury.

Coach Neal seemed optimistic about Williams being ready for this Saturday game at  6 p.m. though.

That game will be in Illinois and streamed online at ESPN 3. Tip-off is 6 p.m.