ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In front of thousands of excited fans Monday night at The Pit, the Lobo basketball teams pulled off a pair of victories against Texas Southern.

In front of a crowd of more than 11,000 fans, the Lobo men’s basketball team pulled off a 92-55 win. The Lobo women’s team won 76-59 in front of more than 5,000 fans.

There’s nothing like the atmosphere at The Pit, if you ask any Lobo basketball fan. This season, new recruits, especially, are heightening that atmosphere.

“The Pit. Definitely. The Pit, it’s loud, feeding off the crowd. I’ve loved it all my life, and hopefully, we have a good team this year,” said Ray Naranjo & Kristie Cliftin.

“When they get this place sold out, it is the best basketball. But I mean, they have a lot of new recruits, they are going to be a really exciting team to watch this year,” said Gabe Gutierrez, a UNM student.

“I’ve been to a few different stadiums around the country and The Pit is unlike anything else,” Jared Ostrom said.

Ostrom is the store manager at New Mexico Look. He said sales were up ahead of Monday night’s double-season opener.

Ostrom said the excitement is typical for Lobo fans heading into a new season.

“Absolutely! People are really excited for the season to start. We always get a really big uptick at the start of the season,” Ostrom said.

KOB 4 caught up with Lobos ready for another chance to make it to the NCAA Tournament. They think this year may hold the pieces to make a run.

“I think they’re going to do really well. We got some new recruits. What I’ve heard through the media is that they are going to be very good,” Alex Sanchez said.

“I mean, I was in high school in 2013 and all that when they were going to the NCAA tournament. Just having that feeling back in The Pit is a great thing,” said Emilio Gutierrez.

They aren’t the only ones picking up on their potential success. One national sports analyst is already predicting the Lobos in the Final Four.

“Anything is really possible. Pitino has done a great job with the program, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the outcome,” Gabe Gutierrez said.