Lobo loss tough for fans to swallow

PORTLAND, ORE (KRQE) - When the final buzzer sounded in Portland to end UNM's season and chances at a school-first Sweet 16 Lobo fans didn't take long to filter out of the Rose Garden.

But Lobo supporters held their head high in the face of the loss, with many focusing on the team's gutsy performance against Louisville.

"The never-give-up attitude was what they needed to show and I think they did," said James Gurule.

UNM trailed by as many as 15 in the second half of Saturday's tournament game, but nearly got all of that back through a comeback fueled by senior Drew Gordon. Gordon scared fans when he went down with what appeared to be a serious leg injury, but came back strong and scored 21 points with 14 rebounds.

"It was not the outcome I had hoped for so but at least they got this far so that’s a good thing," said Brandan Spradling.

Some Lobo fans told News 13 they drove to Portland from Albuquerque, a more than 25 hour drive.

UNM fans taking in pregame warmups were surprised and annoyed to see New Mexico State on the arena scoreboard instead of UNM's. Tthe problem was corrected after chants of, "Fix it! Fix it!" from the team band and supporters.