ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — A surging Santa Clara team faces a stern road test Saturday when the Broncos visit New Mexico at The Pit. The Broncos (8-1) bring one of the nation’s best early records to Albuquerque, having won eight of their first nine, including an impressive 87-68 road victory at Xavier. Their lone blemish is a narrow 71-70 loss at Saint Louis. Santa Clara is coming off a 90-80 home win over Utah Tech on Wednesday, where Allen Graves scored 13 points with three assists and three blocks. Graves has been a consistent two-way force for Santa Clara. Over his last seven games, the guard has averaged 10.3 points, 2.9 assists and 1.9 blocks while playing just over 20 minutes per contest. His defensive presence will be key against a high-scoring Lobos backcourt. New Mexico (6-2) looks to build momentum after a 97-47 rout of N.M. Highlands on Monday. The Lobos’ offense runs through guard Jake Hall, who erupted for 21 points in just 15 minutes in that win. Hall is averaging 15.1 points per game and has shown explosive scoring ability, dropping 24 points against Alabama State and 20 against Nebraska. The Lobos’ two losses came against in-state rival New Mexico State (76-68) and Nebraska (84-72). They own a quality neutral-court win over Mississippi State, 80-78. This nonconference matchup pits Santa Clara’s efficient, balanced attack against a New Mexico team that thrives in the high altitude and deafening environment of The Pit. The Broncos have proven capable on the road, but the Lobos present their toughest away challenge to date. For Santa Clara, the game begins a crucial stretch before West Coast Conference play. New Mexico sees it as a final major nonconference opportunity to bolster its resume before Mountain West Conference action begins later this month. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at University Arena, known as The Pit.