New Mexico extends coach Alford through 2015-16 season

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- New Mexico gave coach Steve Alford a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2015-16 season.

"This is another example of what I have said all along -- that I am committed to being a Lobo," Alford said Monday.

The contract extension "shows our commitment to coach Alford and his commitment to the University of New Mexico," athletic director Paul Krebs said during a news conference.

Alford, who left Iowa and the Big Ten to take over New Mexico's struggling program, just wrapped up the first year of his original six-year contract.

He guided the Lobos, who went 15-17 last season, to a third-place finish in the Mountain West Conference at 11-5 and an overall record of 24-9. The regular-season victories tied a school record.

New Mexico went to the NIT and lost 68-66 at California in the first round.