Senior guard J.R. Giddens, who had frequent run-ins with former UNM coach Ritchie McKay and was, in the past, considered to be selfish, is shedding that label this season. He has turned in an impressive performance, averaging a team-high 13.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He's been meshing well with his teammates, too.

"J.R. Giddens has really matured as a player," Rose said. "He's become not only a great individual scorer and playmaker like he's been, but I think he really fits into that team a lot better. He does a great job rebounding the basketball and getting shots for other players.

"I was impressed with J.R. from the moment he got into the league. I just think coach Alford has done a really good job of blending him in with the team and making him a really good team player."

"(Giddens) came in here and had a pretty good game against us last year," Cummard said. "From what I've seen, he's just a piece of the puzzle (for New Mexico). He's a pretty big piece of the puzzle, but they're best when all the pieces are together, trying to win as a unit."

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com