New Mexico Tops NM State, 97-87

The Lobos will play host to Nicholls State on Friday.

Phillip McDonald scored a career-high 27 points.

Nov. 17, 2009

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - Phillip McDonald scored a career-high 27 points Tuesday night to lead New Mexico to a 97-87 victory over New Mexico State.

McDonald hit eight of 15 from the field, and teammate Roman Martinez chipped in with 24 points. The Lobos (2-0) were 12-for-26 from 3-point range.

At halftime, UNM had made 64.5 percent from the field and led 52-36, a team record for first-half points under head coach Steve Alford.

The Aggies (0-2) trailed by as much as 18 in the second half before outscoring UNM 30-15 to open the second.

Hernst Laroche gave the Aggies their first lead of the half with a pair of free throws, making it 68-67 with about 10:30 to go. Jahmar Young led NMSU with 26 points, scoring 22 in the second half.

But with about eight minutes left Darington Hobson hit a pair of free throws that made it 75-73 and gave the Lobos the lead for good.