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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Albuquerque, NM

Home Care Albuquerque, NM

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Town Albuquerque gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Albuquerque, NM is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Albuquerque, NM

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”

Linda B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”

Michael W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”

Rebecca G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is the best! Darlene and her team are exceptional and provide excellent service to their clients. I thoroughly enjoy working with them. Call them today for all your home care needs!”

Steven J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”

Patrick M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was very satisfied with the professional care Always Best care provided to my father. Our caregiver was fantastic to work with and always easy to reach when I had any questions. Always Best Care and their staff showed so much care and compassion towards my father, I always knew they were taking excellent care of them. I would highly recommend them to any family.”

Santiago T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”

Jesse S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”

Bill H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Albuquerque, NM?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Albuquerque, NM

Types of Elderly Care in Albuquerque, NM

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Albuquerque, NM
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Albuquerque, NM
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Loma del Norte Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Albuquerque, NM
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Antiquity Restaurant or visit Albuquerque official new mexico scenic historical, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Albuquerque, NM

Benefits of Home Care in Albuquerque, NM

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Albuquerque, NM, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Albuquerque, NM

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NM's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Albuquerque, NM

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Albuquerque, NM understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Albuquerque, NM

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Albuquerque, NM

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque
  • Albuquerque Grand Senior Living
  • Avista Senior Living Albuquerque
  • Westwind House Assisted Living
  • Life Spire Assisted Living Albuquerque
  • Tender Heart Assisted Living
Home Care Albuquerque, NM

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Albuquerque, NM

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Albuquerque, NM 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Albuquerque, NM

Latest News in Albuquerque, NM

Residents provide feedback on improving downtown Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – City leaders are taking a good hard look at downtown Albuquerque and how they can improve it.There’s been similar discussions before, but the newest effort is called the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. It kicked off late last year.On Wednesday, people got to share what’s wrong, what’s right, and what they want to see in what should be the heart of the Duke City.“Well I live downtown, but I practically avoid it all outside of my condo, the parking garage. We park in the parki...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – City leaders are taking a good hard look at downtown Albuquerque and how they can improve it.

There’s been similar discussions before, but the newest effort is called the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. It kicked off late last year.

On Wednesday, people got to share what’s wrong, what’s right, and what they want to see in what should be the heart of the Duke City.

“Well I live downtown, but I practically avoid it all outside of my condo, the parking garage. We park in the parking garage, and it’s scary too. You really have to be careful,” said Marjie Marler who lives downtown.

According to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, the Downtown Redevelopment Plan hasn’t been updated since 2004.

“You don’t see anyone but the homeless, and you never see a policeman or a normal person. It’s all panhandlers and the homeless, and they’re everywhere,” said Marler.

Stations with poster boards asked for feedback on downtown.

“We’ve been downtown for over 50 years, and what’s changed in the 50 years is just flat scary. We’ve had a business downtown and even in the last 10 years it’s gone downhill,” said Jay Johnston, a downtown business owner.

Another question asked what people want downtown to look like in 10 years.

“Art, not the bus,” said Jesus Munoz who attended the city meeting. “Downtown thrives with art and artists. So I’d love to see more art, more cultural events, more things happening downtown other than just bars and food. I think art helps bring community.”

There was also a lot of bathroom talk, or at least that’s what several people wrote they really want to see added in our downtown plans.

As far as where you would take visitors?

“Railyards. And then I live really close to the Transformers on Lomas and 4th, those are really cool, and there’s really cool cafés and coffee shops down here,” said Jonesy.

APD recently added more than 100 lights downtown and plans to spend $1.8 million updating lighting infrastructure. But people still say they’d avoid downtown completely after dark.

“Because you don’t know what’s lurking out there,” said Jonesy.

Some new businesses are getting ready to open in downtown. Ex Novo is setting up in the former Firestone building at 7th and Central. A block away, a company is working to restore the historic Hotel Blue.

A spokesperson for APD says they’ve recently added cameras, gunshot detection, and license plate readers downtown.

They also established a program with business owners to increase the number of officers on patrol to make the area safer.

City officials are hoping to have the redevelopment plan finalized by this summer, and will take tonight’s discussions into consideration. Then, it will go to city council.

Longtime Albuquerque musician revives ‘Lobo Power’ ahead of NCAA tournament

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A song connecting a family, where everyone’s a Lobo – and a musician.Dick Stewart wrote “Lobo Power” back in the day as a hype-up track for the Lobos.“It was [in the days of] Luc Longley and those guys. That’s when they were hot and I said, ‘Oh I gotta write a song which I did. I remember walking up the mountain and going through my mind was this melody. When I got home, I wrote the music,” Stewart said.“Lobo Power” is one of many songs...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A song connecting a family, where everyone’s a Lobo – and a musician.

Dick Stewart wrote “Lobo Power” back in the day as a hype-up track for the Lobos.

“It was [in the days of] Luc Longley and those guys. That’s when they were hot and I said, ‘Oh I gotta write a song which I did. I remember walking up the mountain and going through my mind was this melody. When I got home, I wrote the music,” Stewart said.

“Lobo Power” is one of many songs the longtime Albuquerque musician has in his back catalog.

Stewart began playing in 1961, before the days of The Beatles and the British Invasion. He called himself King Richard – his band The Knights – and they had a couple of hits on KQEO, a popular station back in the day in Albuquerque.

“It was the big station with Bobby Box. They played the top 40 stuff,” Stewart said.

His biggest hit was “Precision.”

“What made it stand out was this guy Dave Bonham. He was a classical pianist. He played an intro that gave it an interesting sound,” Stewart recalled.

Stewart wasn’t in Albuquerque when the song became a hit. While living in Idaho, working as a firefighter and performing on the side, a family member called him urgently. At first, he thought it was bad news but they called to tell him that “Precision” had hit No. 1 on KQEO.

Years later, Stewart passed the love of music on to his sons, Ritchie and Jason. Jason wrote music for television, including shows on the Discovery Channel, and some Satriani-style guitar work on “Lobo Power.”

“I thought, in order to get this to really cook, I’m gonna have to have Jason do it,” Stewart said.

Now, “Lobo Power” lives on in Jason’s memory.

“My brother, little brother, passed away during the COVID-19. He was waiting for a liver transplant and everything got shut down,” Ritchie Stewart said.

As the Lobo men’s basketball team puts on their dancing shoes once again, Ritchie and Dick are revving up the “Lobo Power.”

Hyping up the Lobo fans and making sure Jason’s memory is never lost.

How to Watch New Mexico vs. Clemson on TV or Live Stream - NCAA Tournament First Round

The No. 11 New Mexico Lobos (26-9) and the No. 6 Clemson Tigers (21-11) square off on Friday to compete for a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The opening round matchup tips off at 3:10 PM ET.Watch March Madness on Max! Use our link to sign up for Max today.New Mexico vs. Clemson Game InfoGet tickets for any college basketball game this season ...

The No. 11 New Mexico Lobos (26-9) and the No. 6 Clemson Tigers (21-11) square off on Friday to compete for a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The opening round matchup tips off at 3:10 PM ET.

Watch March Madness on Max! Use our link to sign up for Max today.

New Mexico vs. Clemson Game Info

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New Mexico Upcoming Schedule

Date Opponent Score Arena
3/14/2024 Boise State W 76-66 Thomas & Mack Center
3/16/2024 Colorado State W 74-61 Thomas & Mack Center
3/16/2024 San Diego State W 68-61 Thomas & Mack Center
3/22/2024 Clemson - FedExForum

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Clemson Upcoming Schedule

Date Opponent Score Arena
3/5/2024 Syracuse W 90-75 Littlejohn Coliseum
3/9/2024 @ Wake Forest L 81-76 Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
3/13/2024 Boston College L 76-55 Capital One Arena
3/22/2024 New Mexico - FedExForum

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New Mexico Lobos eager to prove Mountain West’s strength during March Madness

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr. feels the New Mexico Lobos are peaking at the right time.They dismiss the idea that the Mountain West Conference tournament champs face extra pressure to make a deep run to follow San Diego State’s amazing run to the national championship game a year ago.“Everything is in our control right now,” Mashburn said Thursday. “I mean, I don’t look at it as disrespect, I’m just blessed that we’re here and we’re able to play a great brand of N...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr. feels the New Mexico Lobos are peaking at the right time.

They dismiss the idea that the Mountain West Conference tournament champs face extra pressure to make a deep run to follow San Diego State’s amazing run to the national championship game a year ago.

“Everything is in our control right now,” Mashburn said Thursday. “I mean, I don’t look at it as disrespect, I’m just blessed that we’re here and we’re able to play a great brand of New Mexico basketball.”

The Lobos (26-9) earned the program’s 16th NCAA Tournament berth and first in a decade by knocking off a trio of teams who also made it to March Madness, including the 2023 national runners-up, San Diego State. New Mexico became the first to win the Mountain West by winning four games in as many days on its way to the Lobos’ fifth tournament title. That run had some fans crying when the Lobos returned home from Las Vegas. Then the Mountain West showed its growing strength getting six teams into this tournament.

So New Mexico isn’t worried about trying to measure up to anyone else Friday when they play sixth-seeded Clemson (21-11) in the first meeting between the programs. They just want a win, which would be New Mexico’s first in this tournament since downing Long Beach State in 2012. The Lobos have been a popular pick to make a run similar to the Aztecs’.

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Ike’s perfect game leads hot-shooting Gonzaga to easy March Madness win over McNeese State

New Mexico coach Richard Pitino, who’s been busy building this program the past three years, is focused only on Clemson.

“I don’t know if it fuels our guys,” Pitino said. “I hope it doesn’t. We know if we’re able to beat a Clemson team, we’re going to have to play very, very well. And all the other stuff is just, it’s good for the fans and obviously good for social media.”

Clemson has had time to rest since losing in the second round of the Atlantic Coast Conference. This is the Tigers’ fourth tournament berth with coach Brad Brownell, and they have noticed so many people picking against them now.

“It’s pretty hard not to see that kind of stuff, just with the social media and stuff,” said Clemson center PJ Hall. “But at the same time, also after our last loss, can’t blame all the people for thinking that.”

DIFFERENT RESULTS

The gap between No. 3 seed Baylor and Colgate, the West Region’s 14th seed, is massive.

The Bears (23-10) won the 2021 national championship and have been seeded no lower than third in each of their past four tournaments. Colgate’s Raiders are looking for their first victory in March Madness.

In 2021 and 2022, the Bears were No. 1 seeds. Now coach Scott Drew has four new starters, though senior guard RayJ Dennis said they’re essentially sophomores now with a season of experience.

“Their best ball is ahead of them,” Dennis said.

Colgate (25-9) of the Patriot League is making its fifth straight and seventh all-time NCAA appearance. Coach Matt Langel has constantly tweaked his approach looking for a difference. He may have it with a group that has grown up together and knows what it takes to prepare game to game. Langel doesn’t see having been here before as adding more pressure.

“You have to play a special game,” Langel said.

BAMA HOPES TO STOP SLIDE

At one point, Alabama seemed destined for a top-three seed and likely a preferred placement somewhere in the Southeast for the opening weekend.

Losing three of four games and getting bounced in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament dropped the Crimson Tide down to a No. 4 seed and sent them to Spokane, Washington.

“We felt like maybe we could have been a little bit better, but we had some injuries, we didn’t close the season well with our injuries,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said. “But we’re excited to be in the tournament.”

Alabama (21-11) will try to stop the slide Friday in its opener against No. 13 seed Charleston (27-7). The Tide stumbled down the stretch with a pair of losses to Florida and a loss on its own court to Tennessee.

The Crimson Tide will start the NCAAs a bit healthier. Rylan Griffen and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. both should be able to play against Charleston without limits on minutes played. Griffen is averaging 11 points per game, while Wrightsell has added nine points primarily off the bench. The Tide also will have Nick Pringle available to play after he dealt with a personal issue earlier this week, Oats said.

It’s not all good news. Backup Davin Cosby Jr. suffered a broken bone in his foot earlier this week, sidelining him.

FAMILY TRADITION

Bryce Drew’s family tree created perhaps an unreasonable level of expectation when it comes to the NCAA Tournament.

His dad, Homer, took a group of underdogs to the Sweet 16. His brother, Scott, has a national title at Baylor.

At this point, taking Grand Canyon to the tournament for the third time in four seasons, Bryce Drew would be thrilled with getting his first victory as a coach.

“No pressure on little brother with all they’ve done,” Bryce Drew said with a smile.

The 12th-seeded Antelopes face No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s in the first round in Spokane, Washington, on Friday.

Grand Canyon has become the class of the WAC under Drew and created a fervent fan base on its Phoenix campus. That has yet to translate to an NCAA victory. The Antelopes were a No. 15 seed in their first NCAAs in 2021 and a No. 14 seed last year when they were bounced by Gonzaga in the first round.

This year is Grand Canyon’s highest seed and likely best chance at a victory, especially considering the contrasting styles.

Saint Mary’s wants to play patient and methodical. Grand Canyon plays with tempo and speed. The Antelopes are averaging nearly 80 points per game.

“Bryce has done a really nice job there and they have done a great job with their program,” Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett said.

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AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

Watching the Annular Eclipse from Albuquerque to Orbit

On October 14, 2023, an annular, or ring-shaped, solar eclipse passed through Albuquerque, New Mexico during the International Balloon Fiesta. The annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth, leaving a ri...

On October 14, 2023, an annular, or ring-shaped, solar eclipse passed through Albuquerque, New Mexico during the International Balloon Fiesta. The annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth, leaving a ring of the sun visible around the Moon’s shadow. The path of the eclipse crossed over the western United States down through Texas to Mexico and into Central and South America. NOAA and NASA teams were on the ground in Albuquerque to ensure Fiesta attendees safely observed the phenomenon, with the proper eye protection and safe solar viewers.

During the annular eclipse, the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) continued its daily journey orbiting Earth and collecting vital climate and weather data. JPSS satellites’ Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on NOAA-21 and Suomi-NPP captured images of the shadow from the eclipse as it crossed from Central America into South America.

NOAA-21 and Suomi-NPP captured this image of the shadow from the annular eclipse as it crossed from Central America into South America on October 14, 2023.

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NOAA's GOES satellites were able to capture a time-lapse of the Moon’s shadow moving across the Earth.

Back on August 21, 2017, for the first time in nearly 100 years, a total solar eclipse passed over the contiguous U.S. from the Pacific to the Atlantic. A total solar eclipse occurs when a New Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. JPSS satellites flew over the path of totality as it crossed the Southeastern United States.

An enhanced color satellite image from the NOAA/NASA JPSS satellite Suomi-NPP reveals the shadow of the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, cast over the southeastern United States near Florida.

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During an eclipse, annular or total, noticeable weather changes occur. During the August 2017 eclipse, the temperature dropped by an average of 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind speed dropped by about 2 mph. As a result of the lower temperatures, clouds dissipated in the Southern states. Cumulus clouds need warm updrafts to survive. When an eclipse occurs, the drop in sunlight reaching the ground cools the surface along the shadow's path, preventing those warm updrafts and diminishing clouds. Researchers also observed a 20% increase in relative humidity especially in the Great Plains and the American Southwest. In Albuquerque during the October 2023 annular eclipse, observers noticed a drop in temperature and decreased cloud cover as well.

The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024 and the North American path of totality will begin in Mexico, enter the U.S. in Texas, and travel up through Maine. It will then move into Canada and exit continental North America off the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. The path of totality for the 2024 eclipse is much wider than the 2017 total solar eclipse. During the 2017 eclipse, the Moon was farther away from Earth than it will be during the upcoming total solar eclipse, causing the path of that eclipse to be thinner. In 2017, the path ranged from about 62 to 71 miles wide. During the April eclipse, the path over North America will range between 108 and 122 miles wide, covering far more ground than in 2017 and passing over more densely populated areas allowing even more observers to see the phenomenon. The duration of totality will also be longer in April, with totality lasting from three minutes and 21 seconds to four minutes and 26 seconds in the United States. In 2017, the longest period of totality was two minutes and 42 seconds in Illinois.

The Sun is also in a period of heightened solar activity right now, as opposed to 2017 when it was in a solar minimum due to its ever changing and complicated magnetic field. During the upcoming eclipse, the Sun will be in or near solar maximum, meaning the magnetic field is more tangled as it flips and twists during its activity cycle, allowing observers to see streamers, cusp-like structures coming off the corona, and providing a better chance to see pink curls and loops coming off the Sun. However, one thing that will be the same during this eclipse is that JPSS and GOES satellites will again capture images of the eclipse’s shadow as it passes over Earth.

The next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States will occur in 2044.

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