Fans set record as Lobos clinch

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Pit was packed Saturday as Lobo seniors played their last home game and the team fought not just for a piece of the conference title but for an attendance record as well.

There was a lot riding on the game against the Wyoming Cowboys.

"The Lobos are awesome this season," fan Bryan Harvey said.

But the pressure wasn't only on the players.

The University of New Mexico also was hoping enough fans would show up for a record-breaking season in the stands.

And show up they did with an official 15,411 fans watching the Lobos knock off the Cowboys 53-42.  The Lobos, ranked 14th in the nation, are now 25-4 overall and 12-2 in conference play.

With that final number tallied officials said this season has had record attendance.

The excitement had been building for this game against the Cowboys as a win would guarantee the Lobos a share of the Mountain West Conference title.

"It's just amazing what they've been doing," Jason Howell said.  "I was just hoping they'd step up and play great ball."

The victory marked the fifth title in five years under Head Coach Steve Alford.

On average more than 15,000 fans showed up each game.  That's the first time in 10 years lobos have seen attendance like that.

The Lobos still have road games against Nevada and Air Force next week before moving on to the MWC tournament starting March 13 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Tickets for the tournament already are on sale online .