PORTLAND, OR – Kendall Williams’ three-pointer with 4:43 left in regulation gave 5th-seeded New Mexico the lead for good, as the Lobos held off feisty 12th-seeded Long Beach State in a back-and-forth battle by a 75-68 final.
Williams’ 16 points trailed only Drew Gordon’s 18 for the team-high, as four Lobos scored in double-figures altogether. Casper Ware scored a team-high 17 for the 49ers in the losing cause.
New Mexico will meet 4th-seeded Louisville on Saturday in 3rd round action.
Kevin Calabro and Bill Frieder called the action on the Westwood One Radio Network.