Thrilling CBB finish likely burst one team’s bubble

New Mexico’s basketball team entered Saturday’s game against San Diego State firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Things did not good for the Lobos, who trailed by four with 16 seconds left to play. Then, things changed — and changed again.

New Mexico’s Jamal Mashburn was fouled shooting a three and sunk all three free throws, cutting the deficit to one. The Lobos then got a steal and a layup from Jaelen House to go up one. The thrill of victory for New Mexico quickly turned into the agony of defeat.

With six seconds left, San Diego State inbounded the ball to Lamont Butler. He dribbled down the floor, pulled up at the three-point line and drilled a three-pointer at the horn.

 

College basketball fans had a lot to say about the wild finish at the Pit in New Mexico.

THIS IS MARCH https://t.co/uUoO784ZdT

— Bullpen Insider Jeff Everson (@EVR551) February 26, 2023

The loss was crucial for the Lobos. New Mexico, which started the season 14-0, now figures to have a hard time even making the NCAA Tournament. In fact, Jeff Borzello of ESPN noted that with the loss, the Lobos are now likely out of the NCAA Tournament mix — barring a Mountain West Tournament win, of course.

Beating the Aztecs — who are almost certainly bound for the NCAA Tournament — would have done wonders for the Lobos. The finish of this game showed how much things can change in a matter of seconds.

[Jeff Borzello]