Fans gather for Lobos NCAA practice

SAN JOSE (KRQE) - Anyone curious about New Mexico Lobos basketball got their chance to see the Cherry and Silver in action during an open practice on March 17.

All practices for the NCAA tournament were open to the public.

The Lobos were all business as they took the floor for the practice.

Players seemed and extremely focused on what they need to do to top No. 14 Montana on Thursday.

In the stands a small group of Lobo fans watched their team. Many more are expected on Thursday for the game.

"It's just a great time and being here for them, it's just tremendous. It's so great," fan Jim Abeita said.

Some die hard fans said they wouldn't even imagine missing a chance to see the Cherry and Silver.

"My husband and I made a pact to go to wherever the Lobos go," fan Valda St. Arnold said.

"We looked at the eight first round sites and said 'Gosh I hope they don't go to Providence or Buffalo,' but if we have to that's where we'll go," fan Dan St. Arnold said.

During the shootaround, a Sports Illustrated photographer took a shot to the head from a ball that sailed over the rim.

Medics attended to the photographer who is said to be doing fine.

A bus full of Lobos fans left Albuquerque around 8:00 p.m. for an all-night road trip to San Jose.