UC Irvine Rallies, Loses in Overtime, 72-67
New Mexico State was tied for first in the Big West Conference, and UC Irvine was tied for last. But Saturday’s game before 8,919 in the Pan American Center went to overtime before New Mexico State won, 72-67.
The loss was Irvine’s seventh in a row. The Anteaters (2-10, 0-5) haven’t won during January since 1991, and have lost 16 January games in a row.
New Mexico State (13-4, 5-1) made only one field goal during overtime, but the Aggies got to the free-throw line 15 times and made 12, including their first 10 after regulation ended in a tie, 58-58.
Tracey Ware scored eight of his 19 points in overtime, including a three-point play 26 seconds into the extra period that gave New Mexico State a three-point lead that grew as large as seven.
Irvine trailed by as many as eight during the second half, but fought back to force eight ties, five in the final 5 1/2 minutes. Irvine guard Lloyd Mumford forced the overtime with a 10-foot jumper.
Irvine dominated the boards, 40-26, but New Mexico State dominated the line, making 23 of 32 (71.9%). Irvine made six of 12.
Jeff Von Lutzow scored 21 points for Irvine. Mumford and Keith Stewart added 13.
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