The 2025-26 New Mexico Lobos men's basketball season has officially come to a close, marking a significant chapter in the program's history under first-year head coach Eric Olen. For fans searching for the latest Lobo basketball schedule, the team is currently in the off-season after a campaign that saw high-intensity Mountain West action, a deep run in the NIT, and a final overall record of 26–11.

While the 2026-27 schedule is not yet released, reflecting on the 2025-26 journey provides essential context for what to expect in the coming year. The Lobos finished with a strong 13–7 record in conference play and proved once again that "The Pit" remains one of the most formidable environments in college basketball.

2025-26 Season Overview and Final Record

The Lobos entered the 2025-26 season with a revamped roster and a new coaching staff. Transitioning from the Richard Pitino era to Eric Olen’s leadership, the team integrated several high-impact transfers, including Milos Vicentic and Chris Howell from UC San Diego, alongside standout center JT Rock from Iowa State.

The team concluded the season with 26 wins and 11 losses. Their journey ended on April 2, 2026, in a neutral-site matchup against Tulsa. Throughout the season, New Mexico maintained a dominant home record of 15–3, underscoring the advantage of playing in Albuquerque.

Non-Conference Schedule Highlights

The 2025-26 non-conference slate was designed to test the Lobos' depth and prepare them for the rigors of the Mountain West. The season officially began on November 5, 2025, against East Texas A&M.

Key Non-Conference Matchups

  • Season Opener vs. East Texas A&M (Nov 5): A definitive 76–54 win at home to kick off the Eric Olen era.
  • Rio Grande Rivalry at New Mexico State (Nov 15): A tough 68–76 road loss in Las Cruces, a game characterized by high fouls and intense defensive pressure.
  • Hall of Fame Classic (Nov 20-21): Held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The Lobos fell to Nebraska (72–84) but rebounded with a thrilling 80–78 victory over Mississippi State, proving they could compete with Power 5 programs.
  • Road Victory at VCU (Dec 10): One of the season's highlights, where the Lobos secured a 81–78 win in Richmond, Virginia, showcasing their resilience in hostile environments.

Mountain West Conference Schedule and Results

The Mountain West Conference (MWC) was exceptionally competitive in 2025-26, with multiple teams vying for NCAA tournament bids. The Lobos' conference schedule featured 20 games, starting in late December.

Notable Conference Games

  • The Boise State Rivalry: The Lobos split their games with Boise State, losing a defensive battle away (53–62) on December 30, and falling in a heartbreaking one-point game at home (90–91) on February 7.
  • Domination over Air Force: New Mexico swept the Falcons, including a massive 91–49 blowout in Colorado Springs on January 10 and a 98–61 victory at The Pit on February 17.
  • The San Diego State Clashes: The rivalry with the Aztecs remained a focal point. After a narrow 79–83 loss in San Diego on January 17, the Lobos responded with a 81–76 "Stripe Out" win at home on February 28, fueled by a raucous crowd of over 15,000 fans.

Postseason: Mountain West Tournament and NIT

The postseason was a rollercoaster for Lobo fans. Entering the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas as a top seed, the Lobos faced San José State in the quarterfinals.

Mountain West Tournament Performance

On March 12, 2026, New Mexico defeated San José State 93–77, displaying efficient offensive execution. However, the tournament run was cut short the following night in a defensive grind against San Diego State, resulting in a 62–64 loss.

NIT Journey

Following the MWC tournament, the Lobos accepted a bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

  • First Round: A high-scoring 107–83 victory over Sam Houston at The Pit on March 18.
  • Subsequent Rounds: The team continued to battle through the bracket, ultimately concluding their season in early April. The 26-win season solidified the program's status as a perennial contender in the West.

The Pit: Home Court Advantage in 2025-26

You cannot discuss the Lobo basketball schedule without mentioning the impact of the University Arena, affectionately known as The Pit. In 2025-26, the venue hosted 18 games. The schedule featured several promotional nights that boosted attendance and energy:

  • Indigenous Heritage Night (Jan 3): A 78–58 win over Wyoming.
  • Cherry Out (Jan 13): A convincing 87–64 victory against Grand Canyon.
  • Senior Night (Mar 4): A tough 74–82 loss to Colorado State, where the community honored the departing veterans.

Roster Impact on the Schedule Results

The success of the 2025-26 schedule was largely due to the tactical flexibility of Coach Olen. The backcourt was led by senior transfers who brought stability, while the frontcourt depth, featuring 7'1" JT Rock, allowed the Lobos to control the paint against smaller MWC lineups. The integration of international talent, such as Tomislav Buljan and Milos Vicentic, added a diverse scoring threat that many opponents struggled to scout effectively.

Looking Ahead: 2026-27 Schedule Expectations

As of late April 2026, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the 2026-27 schedule. Based on historical patterns, here is when information usually becomes available:

  1. Non-Conference Schedule: Typically announced in late July or August.
  2. Mountain West Conference Schedule: Usually released in September, once TV designations (CBS Sports, FOX Sports) are finalized.
  3. Season Tickets: Renewals usually begin in the late spring, with new season tickets going on sale in early autumn.

One confirmed date for the future is the 2026-27 season opener on November 10, 2026, where New Mexico is scheduled to host Northern Arizona at The Pit as part of a home-and-home agreement.

Summary of the 2025-26 Campaign

The 2025-26 New Mexico Lobo basketball season was a testament to the program's resilience and the successful start of the Eric Olen era. With a final record of 26–11 and a strong showing in both the Mountain West and the NIT, the Lobos have set a high bar for the coming years. While there are no games currently scheduled for the immediate weeks, the foundation laid this past winter suggests a bright future for basketball in Albuquerque.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Lobo Basketball

What was the Lobos' final record for the 2025-26 season?

The New Mexico Lobos finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 26 wins and 11 losses.

When does the 2026-27 Lobo basketball schedule come out?

The official 2026-27 schedule is expected to be released in stages, with non-conference games announced in late summer (July/August) and the full conference schedule following in September 2026.

Who is the current head coach of the New Mexico Lobos?

Eric Olen is the head coach of the Lobos, having completed his first season in 2025-26 after taking over from Richard Pitino.

Where can I find the most recent game results?

The most accurate and up-to-date game books, box scores, and recaps are available on the official athletics website, GoLobos.com.

Did the Lobos make the NCAA Tournament in 2026?

After a loss in the Mountain West Tournament semifinals and a strong regular season, the Lobos participated in the 2026 NIT, where they reached the later rounds before finishing their season on April 2.