The best player on a balanced New Mexico squad is arguably Williams, the MWC Player of the Year. The junior—likely to draw Saunders defensively—averaged 13.5 points per game and scored a career-high 46 points on 10-of-13 shooting from three against the Rams last month.

Wing Tony Snell contributed 12.4 points during the regular season and won the conference tournament MVP after averaging 19 points over the course of the Lobos three wins.

“We recognize how good this team is,” Amaker said. “This is an outstanding basketball team.... I think when you look at their team you see balance throughout their roster.”

On Thursday night, Amaker’s team is ready to give that squad its best shot.

“Last year we kind of took [the tournament] for granted,” Webster said. “Now we realize it’s not a given that we’re going to get here every year because we’re lucky to be here right now. I think we’re going to take advantage of the opportunity, and I hope that shows on the court.”

—Staff writer Scott A. Sherman can be reached at ssherman13@college.harvard.edu. Follow him on Twitter @ScottASherm.