Kuiper starts, contributes double digits in Mountain West opener
Dane Kuiper
The 6-foot-7 sophomore started his third straight game and reached double figures for the third time in his last four games as the Lobos opened Mountain West Conference play with a 78-73 victory over Fresno State at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Kuiper, of Wasilla High fame, finished with 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 22 minutes before fouling out.
All of his points came in the first half when helped supply a 36-34 cushion.
He made the first jump shot he took 63 seconds into the game, which got him going because he was in rhythm the whole half. He made two free throws then knocked down back-to-back 3s to push the lead to 27-15.
Kuiper is averaging 10.5 points over the last four games.
In 10 games this season he is scoring 5.9 points in 14.9 minutes per contest.
New Mexico is 8-5 overall, 3-1 when Kuiper is in the starting lineup.