Mar 11, 2007, 5:50 GMT
Las Cruces, NM - Justin Hawkins poured in 20 points as New Mexico State edged Utah State, 72-70, to win the Western Athletic Conference Tournament title at Pan American Center.
Elijah Ingram added 18 points and dished out five assists for New Mexico State (25-8), which earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Jaycee Carroll netted a game-high 26 points for Utah State (23-11), which lost to Nevada in overtime in last year's championship game. Stephen DuCharme donated 16 points in the loss.
New Mexico State stormed out of the gate and opened the contest on a 16-2 run to take control early. Hawkins had six points during the surge while Ingram contributed five.
Utah State chipped away at the NMSU's lead the remainder of the half, but still trailed by 35-25 at the break.
Hawkins led the way with 14 points at halftime for New Mexico State on 7- of-13 shooting from the field.
DuCharme paced USU, which had seven turnovers after 20 minutes, with eight points at halftime.
Utah State opened the second half on an 18-11 run to pull within three points at 46-43 with about 12 1/2 minutes remaining. Chaz Spicer had seven points during the stretch.
USU would move in front after Carroll hit a jumper and a DuCharme layup made it 47-46 about midway through the half.
New Mexico State responded with a 10-4 surge to jump back on top, 56-51 with just under eight minutes to go.
NMSU continued to run in front but Utah State pulled to within two points after Carroll hit two shots from the charity stripe with 1:43 left.
USU had a chance to tie the score with about 15 seconds left but Ted Knauber stole the ball off Chris Session and after being fouled, sealed the victory for New Mexico State by hitting his free throws.
Carroll threw up a desperation three at the buzzer but his fadeaway attempt fell way short.
Game Notes
Tyrone Nelson had 16 points for New Mexico State...Both teams shot 47 percent from the field...USU finished with 14 turnovers.
© 2007 The Sports Network
Game Notes.
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