GAME NOTES: The New Mexico Lobos and the George Mason Patriots will battle it out as part of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off at Coliseo Roberto Clemente.

After a 2-0 start to the season, New Mexico fell short in the beginning of this event, falling to Boston College on Thursday, 69-65. The Lobos defeated Idaho State (79-55) and Cal State Fullerton (67-59) at home in their first two games.

George Mason was much less competitive in its first game of this event, suffering a 91-65 thrashing at the hands of the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Patriots are now just 1-2 overall, with their other results being a loss to Cornell (68-60) and a win over Princeton (63-60).

These teams squared off in the Paradise Jam in 2012, with the Lobos escaping with a 70-69 victory. As a result, UNM leads the series, 2-0. The winner this time will face either Texas A&M or the College of Charleston next.

In a game which featured plenty of sloppy play, the Lobos simply didn't shoot well enough to overcome Boston College. Both teams turned the ball over 17 times, but the Lobos shot at just a 44.7 percent clip, compared to the 47.3 percent effort turned in by the Eagles. The Lobos were also outscored, 24-6, from 3-point range. Hugh Greenwood was the only double-digit scorer for UNM in the loss, netting 24 points.

Without the help of Cullen Neal, Greenwood had to do everything by himself in terms of scoring. That is not the worst thing in the world, considering Greenwood is averaging 14.3 points through the first three contests. He also is putting forth strong efforts in rebounds (5.7 pg), assists (4 pg) and steals (1.7 pg). However, Neal was averaging 24.5 points per game through the first two tests. That averaged plummeted to 17 after he was held to just two points, while missing all four of his shots from the field against the Eagles. Devon Williams and J.J. N'Ganga were the secondary scorers in the loss, with each player netting nine points.

The good news for George Mason was that it shot 48.9 percent from the floor against West Virginia. However, that efficient shooting was dampened by absolutely dreadful ball security, with the Patriots turning it over 24 times. They were outscored, 31-9, off of those giveaways, while falling on the short end of a 43-33 differential on the boards. Patrick Holloway led the team in scoring once again with 17 points.

If not for Holloway, the Patriots would be out of luck offensively. They are only netting 62.7 points per game, and Holloway is the only player on the roster averaging in double figures (19.3 ppg), doing so primarily from 3-point range, where he is shooting a robust 45.8 percent. Jalen Jenkins (8.3 ppg) and Shevon Thompson (8.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg) are the next best scorers, but Thompson has been more vital on the glass. Thompson had 14 points and a team-high six rebounds against West Virginia. Jenkins had eight points in the loss.

While New Mexico struggled to score against Boston College, George Mason has had trouble no matter who is on the other side. Expect the Lobos to bounce back with a win.