SPOKANE, WA – New Mexico State capitalized on a couple of clutch looks from behind the arc by Kevin Aronis and some lackluster late-game management and free-throw shooting by San Diego State to make a last minute comeback that tied the game and forced overtime; however, the Aztecs made just enough plays, blocked shots, and free throws in the extra period to outlast the Aggies 73-69.
Xavier Thames led the Aztec effort with 23 points, including 10-of-12 shooting from the charity stripe. Dwayne Polee II added 15 points from off the bench, but it might have been his from-out-of-nowhere rejection of a Daniel Mullings layup in overtime that made the biggest difference.
Five Aggies scored in double figures, including 18 from WAC Player of the Year, Mullings.
San Diego State will face another scoring challenge on Saturday, when they face the twelfth-seeded Bison of North Dakota State in a West Regional Third Round matchup.
Bill Frieder and Ted Robinson called the action on WestwoodOne Sports.
