The NIT : Johnny Brown Leads New Mexico to 80-67 Victory Over Texas A

Johnny Brown’s 20 points led New Mexico to an 80-67 National Invitation Tournament basketball win over Texas A&M; Tuesday night.

Brown, a 6-foot-6 forward, hit 8 of 11 field goals as the Lobos improved to 19-12. New Mexico, which led at halftime, 38-35, outscored the Aggies, 19-5, in the first eight minutes of the second half to take a 57-50 lead. Texas A&M;’s Al Pulliam scored seven straight points to cut the lead to 58-47, but New Mexico sank 19 of 23 free throws to put the game away.

Don Marbury scored 22 points for the A&M;, which finished its season at 19-11.

New Mexico shot 61% for the game compared to Texas A&M;’s 38%. The Aggies missed leading scorer Kenny Brown, who quit the team Monday. Brown, a 6-4 guard, averaged 17.4 points per game.