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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 03: Kevin Garnett attends The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Screening Of UNCUT GEMS at MOMA – Celeste Bartos Theater on December 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences )
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via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 03: Kevin Garnett attends The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Screening Of UNCUT GEMS at MOMA – Celeste Bartos Theater on December 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences )
Kevin Garnett is not someone who praises others easily. So when he does, it is for something really significant. The New Mexico Lobos won the Mountain West Men’s Basketball Championship to book their spot in the NCAA tournament. They registered a 68-61 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs in the finals. The key player to pave the path for New Mexico was 2008 NBA champion and KG’s former teammate Eddie House’s son, Jaelen House.
Jaelen was awarded the Mountain West Tournament MVP. Kevin Garnett could not help but share a highlight clip from the final in his Instagram story. He praised the 22-year-old for his performance. “J out here getting MONEY… Yesss siiirrr… we see you Jaylen… we see you Ehouse,” read the caption to KG’s story. Notably, Jaelen outshined everyone else in the final with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Eddie’s reaction to his son sealing the win with a tough layup has gone viral and could possibly be what attracted his former Boston teammate KG as well. He could be seen mouthing, “That’s my m*****f*****g son,” while flexing to someone. Surely a proud moment for the former Pac-10 Player of the Year.
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It is worth mentioning that Jaelen was not the only player from Lobos representing his father’s legacy. In fact, former All-Star Jamal Mashburn’s son, Jamal Mashburn Jr., was also a part of New Mexico’s winning roster. Mashburn Jr. too left a significant mark in the final with his 21 points and 4 rebounds. The duo will now look forward to March Madness as New Mexico Lobos got an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament after claiming the Mountain West Championship.
Read More: Kevin Garnett Impressed With 3x All-Star’s Son’s High School Dominance
Lobos are among the six teams from the Mountain West Conference who will play in March Madness 2024. The other five teams include San Diego State Aztecs, Boise State Broncos, Utah State Aggies, Colorado State Rams, and Nevada Wolf Pack. Notably, New Mexico will face the Clemson Tigers in their first matchup of the March Madness.
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New Mexico Lobos vs Clemson Tigers odds
The Tigers are the number 6 seed and will face number 11 seed New Mexico at FedExForum in Memphis on Friday, March 22. The Lobos are riding high on their success in the Mountain West Tournament and consecutive wins in the last four games of the tournament. However, the Tigers boast a high offensive efficiency, as they are a borderline top-25 team in adjusted offensive efficiency. The team stands solid on the defensive end as well.
In terms of standings, the Tigers are currently at the 5th position in the Atlantic Coast Conference, while the Lobos stand at the 6th in the Mountain West Conference. However, New Mexico has an edge over the Tigers in team stats. New Mexico has averaged 81.7 points per game, along with 14.8 assists and 35.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, the Tigers have averaged 77.4 points per game, along with 14.7 assists and 33.9 rebounds per game.
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However, the Tigers have a higher field goal percentage, offensive rating, and defensive rating. So it can not accurately be determined solely based on stats and figures who may outperform the other in their face off. Who do you think will emerge victorious among the two teams on March 22? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
Read More: As Teams Gear Up for March Madness, Deep Dive into Top 5 First Four NCAA Squads
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