A Renewed Rivalry on the Horizon
The University of Portland announced that its women's basketball program will meet the University of New Mexico's Lobos in a home‑and‑home series beginning in the 2026‑27 season, a partnership that revives a rivalry that has defined West Coast competition for decades.
The opening contest is set for December 21, 2026, at the University of New Mexico's home arena in Albuquerque, giving the Pilots an early test on the road before they return to the Chiles Center for the second meeting.
The two programs previously met in a home‑and‑home series during the 1993‑94 and 1994‑95 seasons, with the Pilots securing victories in both encounters, a fact that adds a layer of nostalgia to the upcoming matchup.
New Mexico finished fifth in the Mountain West Conference last season with a 22‑9 overall record, while the Pilots posted a 20‑15 record and captured a seventh straight WNIT appearance, underscoring the competitive balance between the squads.
Coach Michael Meek, now in his tenth year at the helm, has guided the Pilots to five consecutive 20‑win seasons and all of the program's postseason victories, a testament to his steady leadership.
Portland enters the new series with every eligible player from last season returning, while four fresh faces join the roster, promising continuity and added depth.
Looking Ahead to the 2026‑27 Matchup
Fans can anticipate a clash of styles and strategies, as the Pilots aim to extend their recent streak of success against a Lobos team that has consistently placed fifth or better in the conference since the 2020‑21 season.