While the matchup between Louisville and Kentucky has stolen many of the college basketball headlines on New Year's Eve, the game between Saint Louis (12-1,0-0) and New Mexico (11-2, 0-0) has the opportunity to be excellent as well. The Billikens enter this game on a six-game winning streak, while the Lobos have won nine straight since their 2-2 start.
Saint Louis is led by senior forward Brian Conklin, who averages a team-high 15 ppg and also grabs 5 rpg. Junior guard Kwamain Mitchell does an excellent job controlling the tempo for the Billikens, as he is averaging 11.3 ppg and a team-high 4.1 assists per game.
Senior forward Drew Gordon leads a talented and versatile New Mexico squad. The UCLA transfer is averaging 12.5 ppg and 11.2 rpg. Sophomore guard Tony Snell has emerged as an excellent scoring threat for the Lobos, as he leads UNM with 14.1 ppg.
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Game Day/Time: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, 5 p.m. (CST)
Location: The Pit, Albuquerque, New Mexico
TV: The Mountain Network