ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Donovan Dent scored 51% of UNM's points on Wednesday night. His 40 point outing was the most by a Lobo inside the Pit since 2016 and was crucial in New Mexico's 78-71 win over VCU. After a slow start to the game and plenty of players in foul trouble, Dent took over. He finished his night 14-26 from the field (54%), 10-11 from the line, and he also racked up five rebounds and four assists. "We knew we had to be better," Dent said about previous team struggles. "It started with me playing lazy, not having effort. Coach P really dug into me these last couple days. I've been trying my you know what off in practice just trying to prove myself. So, it felt good to finally see it come to light." As a team, the Lobos shot 42% from the field. UNM got to the free throw line 30 times and converted 21 attempts (70%). New Mexico only made three shots from beyond the arc and a majority of the scoring came in the paint (44 points) and the free throw line. Mustapha Amzil and Nelly Jr. Joseph also contributed on the scoring end with 15 points each. Jr. Joseph also had a double-double with 11 rebounds. With the win, UNM improved to 9-3 on the year. The non-conference portion of the season is now over and the Lobos turn the page to Mountain West play beginning on Saturday, December 28 on the road against Colorado State.