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The "fragile team" that coach Steve Alford sees lurking inside his 14-2 Lobos is doing a good job of hiding and disguising itself.

The University of New Mexico has won seven straight games and is even getting mention in national polls.

Alford says he knows better.

"We're very fragile in that we can go either way with things because we're not dominant defensively," said Alford. "Unless you are a dominant defensive team, you can't just walk in and think you are going to win."

Alford's strategy with his words probably is two-fold:

• Keep his Lobos and their egos somewhat grounded.

• Get them to continue to improve defensively.

If that happens, the Lobos might just beat the talented San Diego State Aztecs tonight in The Pit and maybe convince a few more voters to consider the Lobos.

Not that Alford is convinced his Lobos should be considered.

"We like what's happening. We like being under the radar," said Alford. "We're not deserving of a Top 25 ranking.

"There are a lot of teams that get ranked and don't deserve it and they don't stay (ranked) very long. We know we're not a Top 25 team yet."

Alford's goal tonight in The Pit is simply to stay atop the Mountain West standings. UNM is 1-0. So is San Diego State.

Alford also realizes he has a sixth man who might be helpful tonight - The Pit.

"That's why we've tried to challenge our fans," said Alford. "We need electricity in that building early in the game.

"We have to do a good job getting a (good) start."

Alford worked the refs earlier in the season about a minute into a game to ignite The Pit crowd. It worked. Don't be surprised to see that strategy tonight.

The Aztecs appear to be another underachieving SDSU team when it comes to discipline and respect for fundamental defense. The Aztecs lost 62-56 to Northern Colorado on Wednesday.

But the Aztecs have talent.

If SDSU remembers to take away the Lobos' perimeter game and if the Aztecs can shoot well in transition, the Lobos probably will need The Pit's help.

The Lobos also need to stop 6-foot-5 Kyle Spain and 6-6 Lorenzo Wade on the wings and contain 6-8 Billy White and 6-8 Ryan Amoroso inside.

"They can score a lot of ways," said Alford.

Said UNM's Darren Prentice: "We are ready for a war."