New Mexico defeats Fresno State 80-78
*New Mexico defeats Fresno State 80-78 (Representational Image)*
# New Mexico Mounts Record Comeback to Stun Fresno State 80-78
**FRESNO, Calif.** — In a performance that rewritten the program’s record books, the New Mexico Lobos staged the largest comeback in school history Saturday night, rallying from a 22-point first-half deficit to defeat Fresno State 80-78 at the Save Mart Center.
Trailing 40-18 late in the first half, the Lobos (21-6, 12-4 Mountain West) looked headed for a blowout loss before an explosive second-half offensive display secured their fourth consecutive road victory. Led by Deyton Albury and Jake Hall, New Mexico outscored the Bulldogs 62-38 over the final 25 minutes of play to complete the improbable turnaround.
New Mexico defeats Fresno State 80-78
*New Mexico defeats Fresno State 80-78 (Representational Image)*
### A Historic Shift in Momentum
The Bulldogs (12-15, 6-10 MW) appeared dominant early, fueled by the return of leading scorer Jake Heidbreder. Fresno State opened the game on a 9-0 run and shot an efficient 62% from the field in the first half. By the 5:15 mark of the opening period, the Bulldogs had extended their lead to 22 points, threatening to run the Lobos out of the gym.
However, New Mexico began chipping away just before the break, using two 7-0 spurts to narrow the halftime margin to 44-32. The momentum fully shifted in the second half as Albury and Hall found their rhythm. The Lobos finally claimed their first lead of the night, 61-60, with just under 10 minutes remaining, turning the contest into a back-and-forth thriller.
### Clutch Performances Down the Stretch
Deyton Albury finished with a career-high 21 points in Mountain West play, adding eight rebounds to anchor the Lobo effort. Freshman standout Jake Hall followed closely with 20 points, including the game’s defining moment—a fade-away jumper with 20.2 seconds left that extended New Mexico's lead to three.
"The 22-point deficit was the largest comeback in program history," noted team officials, surpassing the previous record of 20 points set against Hawaii in 1993.
Fresno State had a final opportunity to force overtime or take the lead, but Heidbreder’s last-second three-pointer rimmed out. Despite Heidbreder’s 22 points and a 21-point, 8-rebound performance from DeShawn Gory, the Bulldogs were unable to contain New Mexico’s late-game surge.
### Looking Ahead
The win bolsters New Mexico's standing in the Mountain West as they continue to build an at-large resume for the NCAA Tournament. The Lobos will look to maintain their winning streak as they head to Nevada on February 24. Fresno State, meanwhile, will travel to face Colorado State as they look to bounce back from the heartbreaking loss.