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Don Flanagan has a plan to fix the Lobos after their first loss of the season.

First, let's take a look at the problem.

The offense misfired early and often in the 52-44 defeat at 12th-ranked Cal on Sunday. UNM shot 31.7 percent from the floor and made two of 17 3-pointers (11.8 percent) against the Golden Bears.

So what's Flanagan's strategy to straighten out UNM's shooting woes?

Focus on the defense. Yup.

In a way, it makes sense. If your own shooters are putting up bricks, what better way to pile up wins than by forcing your foes to shoot even worse.

The Lobos face Nicholls State in tonight's first-round of the Holiday Inn Express Midtown Tournament at 8 tonight in The Pit. Oregon faces Coppin State in the early game at 6 p.m.

"Honestly, I'm not worried about our shooting," Flanagan said. "It's going to pick up soon. Besides, the more you talk about it, the more you get uptight about it.

"I'm more concerned about our defense. I want to make us a better defensive team. I was pretty happy with our defense against Cal, but we can get better."

New Mexico traditionally has been among the nation's top defensive teams.

The Lobos have been in the top 20 in scoring defense in nine of the past 10 seasons. In 2003-04, the Lobos led the nation in both scoring defense and field-goal percentage defense, a first for UNM.

Last season, the Lobos ranked 13th in scoring defense, holding foes to 54.9 points per game. The Lobos were 18-2 when they held opponents to less than 60 points.

Through four games this season, UNM has allowed an average of 54 points while scoring 67 points per game.

Not coincidentally, UNM has made six straight trips to the NCAAs, relying on their defensive prowess.

Plus, Flanagan's focus on defense suits this year's Lobos, who appear more grit than finesse.

"That's what this team is about," Flanagan said. "They bring an intensity and aggressiveness to practice better than any team we've had before. Why not try to convert that into making us a great defensive team?"

But Flanagan said he also won't ignore the team's shooting for too much longer if he doesn't see signs of improvement.

"If we have to, we'll become an inside-oriented team the rest of the year," he said. "We'll make adjustments. If you're not doing well shooting from outside than you better do well at pounding the ball inside."

Flanagan said a return to The Pit for this weekend's tournament should help with the Lobos' aim.

"We always shoot better at home," he said. "I think this team is going to be just fine."