The Lady Lobos weren't fortunate enough to be one of the 64 teams announced for the NCAA tournament, but at least they get a chance to keep their season alive.

New Mexico (18-12) accepted an invitation to the Women's NIT. UNM will host the SMU Mustangs (20-10), a team that is also disappointed they aren't participating in the big dance.

The game gives Lobo fans another chance to watch seniors Amy Beggin, Georonika Jackson, Valerie Kast and Eileen Weissmann.

"Anytime we can play another home game, it's something that's really special," said Beggin. "I think we're excited to play. We're looking to make a run in it."

This is the fifth WNIT appearance for New Mexico and the 13th consecutive post-season appearance for coach Don Flanagan.

"I'm up for the challenge and I think our players are up for the challenge," Flanagan added. "So, let's play."

SMU lost in the first round of the Conference USA tournament to Alabama-Birmingham, but had won four of five prior to that.

The Mustangs have three players that average double figures in points: Brittany Gilliam (14.7), Jillian Samuels (11.6) and Christine Elliott (10.9). Elliott is a force inside, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game.

"They have good shooters, quickness at the point," Flanagan said. "They shoot the ball well, push the ball in transition, run a nice offense and defend hard. It should be an excellent game."

SMU is 0-2 this season against the Mountain West Conference, with losses to TCU and Utah.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two schools, with UNM winning just one of the three previous contests. The teams last met in 1999.

Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday. With a win, the Lobos would play the winner of the Oregon/Eastern Washington match-up, most likely at The Pit.