The Second Session of the 57th Legislature

January 2-16, 2026: Legislation may be prefiled
January 20: Opening day (noon)
February 4: Deadline for introduction
February 19: Session ends (noon)
March 11: Legislation not acted upon by governor is pocket vetoed
May 20: Effective date of legislation not a general appropriation bill or a bill carrying an emergency clause or other specified date

BlueSky Profile

State Senate Lobos Smash House Aggies at Annual Hoops for Hope Basketball Game in Back-to-Back Victories

Senate News & Op-Eds

Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2015

 

State Senate Lobos Smash House Aggies at Annual Hoops for Hope Basketball Game in Back-to-Back Victories

Santa Fe, NM –Last night, the Senate Lobos came back from an 12 point deficit in the first quarter against the House Aggies to take the win for the annual Hoops for Hope basketball game. For the second year in a row, the Senate Lobos beat the House Aggies with a final score of 35-29. The event raised $22,350 for the University of New Mexico Cancer Center.

Senator Howie Morales gets ready to sink one of his many free-throws at Wednesday night's Hoops for Hope Game.
Senator Howie Morales gets ready to sink one of his many free-throws at Wednesday night’s Hoops for Hope Game.

“This was tough game, but I knew we could do it. All those early morning practices and speeches on the Senate Floor were just what we needed,” said Senate team co-captain Senator Bill O’Neill. “We went out there with our minds focused on our strategy, and despite the rough start we came back and we beat them!”

The game evolved into a toe-to-toe match until the last quarter where a zone defense strategy carried the Senate to a win, according to Senate Center Bill Soules.

“We had a bad start, but after analyzing their gaming strategy, Coach Bob Davie made adjustments and had us concentrate on the zone and it worked effectively,” said Sen. Soules who, despite battling Aggie Representative Paul Pacheco under the net all night, managed to score nine points.

“I was happy to see how hard our guys played,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez. “Our experience and smart plays overcame the youth and larger numbers of the Aggies. It was great to see legislators from both chambers come out in great bipartisanship to support an amazing cause. This game is always something we look forward to during session. I hope we continue this winning streak!”

Senate Lobos celebrate victory over House Aggies.
Senate Lobos celebrate victory over House Aggies.

Today, two representatives joined Senate members on the floor to offer congratulations to the winners, saying they look forward to a rematch next year.

Senate stand-out players included Senators Howie Morales, Cliff Pirtle, John Sapien and Mark Moores. Joining Lobo Coach Bob Davie, was legendary Aggies Coach Lou Henson who guided the House team.

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