Arizona State Topples New Mexico in Exhibition
The Sun Devils secured a 91-86 victory over the Lobos in a road exhibition game.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Basketball
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Arizona State defeated New Mexico with a score of 91-86 during an exhibition matchup in Albuquerque. The game provided the Sun Devils with valuable experience on the road against a high-level opponent.
Why it matters
The match served as a critical opportunity for Arizona State to refine its offensive rhythm and test its roster chemistry before the regular season begins. Playing in a hostile environment like Albuquerque helps the team prepare for the challenges of upcoming road games.
Paulius Murauskas led the offensive effort with 31 points, including 7 of 10 from three-point range, while teammate Dillan Shaw added 22 points on 5 made three-pointers. Despite the win, Arizona State narrowly lost the rebounding battle by one.
The players
Paulius Murauskas
He is a primary offensive contributor for Arizona State who demonstrated elite shooting range in the exhibition match.
Dillan Shaw
He is a key perimeter scorer for the Sun Devils who successfully converted multiple three-point attempts against the Lobos defense.
The details
Arizona State utilized a strategy focused on swinging the ball to generate open perimeter looks to overcome New Mexico. The Lobos countered with a defensive scheme anchored by baseline traps, but the Sun Devils maintained high efficiency throughout the contest.
Timeline
October 25, 2026: Arizona State played an exhibition game against New Mexico in Albuquerque.
November 2, 2026: Arizona State plays East Tennessee State in their season opener.
Season Trajectory
This win signals a positive momentum shift for Arizona State as they conclude their exhibition schedule. The victory suggests the team has effectively integrated its primary shooters, placing them in a favorable position heading into official conference play.
The performance of Paulius Murauskas and Dillan Shaw from beyond the arc highlights a clear reliance on perimeter spacing for the upcoming season. Fans tracking player production will note that the team successfully navigated defensive traps, suggesting a high offensive ceiling for the rotation.
The takeaway
Securing a road victory against a competitive opponent provides a vital boost to team confidence before the regular season calendar begins. Readers should note that perimeter shooting accuracy will likely remain a defining characteristic of the Sun Devils offense moving forward.
What happens next
Arizona State is scheduled to play East Tennessee State in their official season opener on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming collegiate schedule, visit the Basketball page.
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Do you plan to watch exhibition games to evaluate your local basketball team's season potential?
