The University of New Mexico is being run out of its home gym by coronavirus restrictions passed down by the state's leadership. Instead of playing those games on the road or postponing them, the Lobos have instead chosen to find a new home.

That new home will be the Rip Griffin Center on the campus of Lubbock Christian University, for at least four home conference games. The Lobos are currently scheduled to host Nevada on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 followed by Utah State on Jan. 6 and Jan. 8. Both of those games will take place at the Rip Griffin Center, the home of the Chaps.

Though the regulations are much laxer in Texas compared to New Mexico, fans will not be allowed into the venue. Bad news if you are a Lobos fan in Lubbock trying to catch the conference action.

It might seem strange that the Lobos are hosting two teams back to back, but that's just how the 2020-21 season will go for all Mountain West teams to reduce travel during the basketball seasons.

According to New Mexico, the game times and dates will remain as scheduled and the games will still air on CBS Sports Network and FS1 as scheduled.

LCU Athletics notes that with the addition of these games to the Rip Griffin Center schedule the Chaps and Lady Chaps have needed to adjust some game times. On Jan. 8th, LCU's women will tip-off against Texas A&M-Commerce at 3:30 p.m., followed by the men's matchup against TAMUC at 5:30 p.m.

"We are grateful for the opportunity Lubbock Christian University is providing us with the permission to host these home contests on their campus," head coach Paul Weir said. "The generosity to open up their doors and provide our student-athletes this experience is a great lesson to us all. Lobo Basketball will forever remember their grace in helping us at a time of such great need."

The deal is obviously great for the Lobos, they needed to get the games in, but it is equally good for LCU, who can prove that they have a quality gym that can be used for high-level events in the future. It's also prime time access and advertising for the University with the logo plastered on the court during the broadcasts.

"We are thrilled to be serving as the home court for University of New Mexico men's basketball in the coming weeks," Lubbock Christian athletic director Scott Larson said. "UNM has a tremendous basketball history and we couldn't be more excited to partner with Lobo athletics during this unique time."

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