Albuquerque, NM (SportsNetwork.com) - Cullen Neal erupted for a game-high 26 points as the New Mexico Lobos leveled the Idaho State Bengals, 79-55, in non- conference action in The Pit.

Neal converted 5-of-10 shots behind the 3-point line and 7-of-8 at the free- throw line for the Lobos (1-0) as they kicked off the season on a positive note. Also scoring in double figures for the hosts were DeShawn Delaney and Obij Aget with 12 and 10 points, respectively, the latter also clearing 12 rebounds and blocking four shots. Hugh Greenwood shot just 3-of-12 from the floor, but still filled his stat line with eight points, 11 boards and seven assists.

The Bengals (0-1) were paced by Jeffrey Solarin and Chris Hansen with 17 points apiece, but no one else on the roster made more than a pair of field goals.

New Mexico scored the first points of the night and never looked back, shooting 51.6 percent from the field in the first half, compared to just 28.6 percent for the visitors, en route to a commanding 42-20 advantage at the break.

The lead reached as high as 27 for the Lobos late in the contest, even as the team made good on only 35.7 percent from the floor after intermission.

Idaho State shot 5-of-20 from 3-point range, 12-of-21 at the charity stripe and turned the ball over 15 times.