Thomas, Lobos Rebound From Loss

Kenny Thomas is making up for lost time.

Thomas, forced to sit out the first semester due to an eligibility dispute, grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds Monday night as No. 15 New Mexico beat New Hampshire 93-67 in the first round of the Lobo Invitational.

Thomas, who played with an injured right thumb, has been very effective since returning to the team. He has 75 points and 53 rebounds in four games.

"There's no doubt he's excited about playing," said New Mexico coach Dave Bliss. "When he injured his thumb against Washington, I wasn't sure when he was going to play again, but every game is more valuable to him now than it's ever been."

Thomas damaged ligaments in his right thumb in New Mexico's 70-61 loss at Washington on Christmas Eve.

"I went against my better judgment and played him today simply because he doesn't have very many games left to play," Bliss said. "He didn't have to score like he has in the past, but he did a yeoman's job on the boards."

Thomas, a 6-foot-8, 260-pound senior, attributes his fast start this season to maturity.

"I'm older and more focused this year," said Thomas, who sat out the final eight minutes after taking a hit on the injured thumb. "I played all right tonight, but my thumb is hurting pretty good. My shot just wasn't there."

New Mexico (9-1) rebounded from its first loss with a victory against another small-time opponent. The Lobos have played nine of their first 10 games at home, most against outmanned opposition.

Carmen Maciariello scored 20 points and Austin Ganly had 12 for New Hampshire (2-6), which lost its sixth straight.

The Wildcats stayed close through the first 11 minutes as Maciariello and Ganly each made three 3-pointers. New Hampshire finished 13-of-32 from long rage.

But New Mexico, which has failed to reach the championship game of the Lobo Invitational just twice in its 34-year history, also had a prolific night from behind the 3-point arc. The Lobos hit 12 3-pointers, including seven by Henry and three by Lamont Long, who finished with 19 points.

New Hampshire pulled within 28-21 on a 3-pointer by Maciariello with 8:36 left in the first half, but New Mexico then went on a 19-4 run, with Henry accounting for eight points. That made it 47-24 with 3:18 left.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved