The UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting non-conference game against the New Mexico Lobos. Mark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 8, as these two teams are set to face off at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada, just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Las Vegas Strip. This neutral-site matchup promises to be a thrilling early-season test for both squads.
This game against New Mexico will be the Bruins’ second contest of the 2024-25 season, offering an early gauge of their team’s capabilities. Lee’s Family Forum, the venue for this anticipated game, is a state-of-the-art entertainment arena that opened its doors in 2022, providing a modern and exciting backdrop for this college basketball clash.
“Mick Cronin, The Michael Price Family UCLA Men’s Head Basketball Coach, expressed his enthusiasm for the matchup, stating, “We’re excited to add New Mexico to our schedule this season. This game provides us with another good measuring stick, early in the season, to see what our team is made of and how we stack up against a program that went 26-10 last year. I have a ton of respect for Richard Pitino, and he has put UNM’s program in a really strong position in the Mountain West. This game also gives our fans in the Las Vegas region a chance to come cheer on the Bruins in November.” Cronin’s comments highlight the competitive nature of this game and the respect between the two programs.
Historically, the series between UCLA and New Mexico is relatively even, with the Bruins holding a 2-2 all-time record against the Lobos. This upcoming game will be the first time these teams have met since December 6, 1997, when UCLA secured a 69-58 victory in the John Wooden Classic at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Their prior encounters date back to Dec. 1954, Dec. 1983, and Nov. 1987, making this November’s game a rekindling of a series with a significant gap in recent history.
Details regarding game time and television broadcast for the UCLA versus New Mexico game are still to be announced. Bruin fans and college basketball enthusiasts eager to witness this matchup in person should also stay tuned for updates on ticket information for the game at Lee’s Family Forum. As the season approaches, anticipation will build for this intriguing contest between UCLA and New Mexico.
