Portland sunshine not distracting Lobos

PORTLAND, ORE. (KRQE) - Until Friday, Lobo players had seen nothing but rain clouds in Portland.

"Ever since we landed it's been raining," said UNM sophomore guard Tony Snell. "C'mon, let the sun out."

"It's been pretty gloomy since we've gotten here," said UNM freshman guard Hugh Greenwood.

The sun finally broke through for most of the day Friday, in time for a needed off-day, but Lobo players had bigger fish to fry than touring the city. Most of the players News 13 spoke to said they stuck close to the team hotel Friday, studying up and sleeping in ahead of UNM's showdown with the Louisville Cardinals.

"We're just getting a lot of rest time now," said UNM senior guard Phillip McDonald.

"I turn the TV off," said Greenwood. "Right now you need to kind of get your head in the right place."

But that doesn't mean some players didn't enjoy seeing the sun, if only briefly.

"I was heading to the bus, but I just kind of sat there and tried to enjoy the sun as much as I could because I know it ain’t going to be there much longer," said Snell.

Snell's not kidding. A light sprinkling of rain started falling later on Friday and rain is in the forecast for the weekend as well.

Meanwhile many Lobos said they weren't following potential opponents that might lie ahead if they can beat Louisville Saturday night. Several players told News 13 the focus will be totally on the Cardinals until the final buzzer sounds to end the game.