Lobos-Pioneers memories
Tonight’s (Dec. 9) men’s basketball game at the Pit between the New Mexico Lobos and the Denver Pioneers brings back some old-time memories — in particular from the 1959-60 season. At the time, Denver and UNM were rivals in the old Skyline Conference. The Pioneers were pretty good. The Lobos ... weren’t. On Jan. 30, 1960, the teams played in Denver. Marring the Pioneers’ 107-79 victory was a nasty fight between DU star Jim Peay and UNM rebounder extraordinaire (but a horrible shooter) Tom King with seven minutes left in the game. According to an Associated Press story, Peay was about to shoot a free throw when King charged him and punched him in the mouth. Peay retaliated; both men would need stitches. Today, King, and perhaps Peay as well for retaliating, would have faced suspensions. Not in 1960. King was assessed a technical foul, but the story doesn’t indicate he was ejected. Peay was done for the night, but he’d already done his damage: 35 points. Neither p...