HENDERSON, Nev. – Junior forward Camaron Tongue made the most of his minutes on Saturday evening, tallying a career-high and team-high 16 points for the Broncos against New Mexico in the Jack Jones Classic held at the Dollar Loan Center. Unfortunately, the Lobos proved to be too much, jumping out to a 20-point first-half lead and holding on for a 93-76 victory. The loss drops Santa Clara to 7-3 on the season. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Santa Clara was unable to find much production against the relentless New Mexico defense in the opening 20 minutes. The Broncos were held to just 6-of-19 shooting from the floor (32 percent) and committed 14 turnovers resulting in 15 Lobo points.
• On the other end, New Mexico (9-1) shot the ball well at a 51 percent clip (18-of-35) and also had the advantage on the boards, 22-13.
• Santa Clara's last field goal of the half came with 9:15 on the clock on a Tyeree Bryan trey. The Broncos' only points for the remainder of the period came via the free throw line (13 points). New Mexico took full advantage and led by 20 at 47-27 heading into the locker room.  
• The Broncos fared better in the second half thanks in part to a big boost from Tongue, who came off the bench to score 15 second-half points. Santa Clara shot 50 percent for the half and cut the deficit to 12 midway through the half.
• The Broncos outscored New Mexico 49-46 in the second half, however it wasn't enough to overcome the big deficit. 

 
NOTABLE NUMBERS:

• The Broncos used the lineup of Adama-Alpha Bal, Carlos Marshall, Jr., Johnny O'Neil, Christoph Tilly and Francisco Caffaro for the first time this season. It was the first start of Caffaro's Bronco career.
• Adama-Alpha Bal scored 13 points for his seventh double-figure scoring outing of the season.
• Brenton Knapper also played well off the bench with eight points.
• Fouls were aplenty with the teams combining a for 49-of-63 mark from the charity stripe. 
• The Broncos committed a season-high 26 turnovers and were out-rebounded for just the second time this season.
• Santa Clara shot 43.1 percent for the game while New Mexico shot 52 percent.
• Donovan Dent led the Lobos with 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting.
• Santa Clara is now 3-5 all-time against the Lobos.

 
UP NEXT:
The Broncos return to the Leavey Center on Wednesday for one of just two home games in the month of December. Santa Clara will host Utah State for a 7:00 p.m. tip.