The Oregon men’s basketball team will play its second regular season game tonight against New Mexico at McArthur Court at 7 p.m.
After a win Friday against Idaho State, Oregon (1-0) will face its toughest challenge of the young season. The Lobos (4-0) are a potent offensive team averaging nearly 86 points per game and knocking down perimeter jump shots with ease. New Mexico showed off its outside shooting capabilities against Santa Clara on Nov. 13, when the Lobos connected on 20 three-pointers during a 93-59 victory.
“It’s going to be a great, great ball game,” Oregon head coach Ernie Kent said. “They shoot the lights out with the basketball. Any time you hit 20 three-pointers in a game, that tells you something right there. Our defensive effort will have to be up to par.”
The Lobos’ head coach is Ritchie McKay, who was the head man at Oregon State from 2000-02. Their leading scorer is forward Danny Granger, who is averaging 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-8 senior transferred from Bradley after his sophomore season and immediately made an impact for New Mexico last season, when he received first team All-Mountain West Conference honors.
The Lobos also feature three other players averaging double figures in scoring. Guard Mark Walters is averaging 12.5 points per game, while shooting 71 percent from the floor (20 of 28). Guard Kris Collins is averaging 10.8 points per contest, while forward David Chiotti contributes 10.5 per game.
While New Mexico poses a threat, Oregon is confident that its defense can get the job done. The Ducks are quick and athletic and like to play a pressure style of defense. If they hope to slow down the Lobos, they will need to contest every three-point attempt.
“We are tall and athletic and we are going to be able to lock up some teams,” sophomore point guard Aaron Brooks said. “Even though we lost a lot of scoring from last year, I think we picked up more defensive players.”
After tonight, the Ducks take on Marshall on Saturday in Charleston, W. Va. The Ducks’ next home game is Dec. 14 against Bethune-Cookman.

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