New Mexico State Shoots Down UC Santa Barbara in Semifinal

UC Santa Barbara, trying for its second upset in two days, had No. 24-ranked New Mexico State on the ropes after making three-pointer after three-pointer Saturday night in a Big West Conference tournament semifinal.

The sixth-seeded Gauchos led by 13 points with 14:23 to play, but the top-seeded Aggies stormed back, squelching the upset bid with an 82-77 victory at Long Beach Arena.

New Mexico State (25-6) plays Cal State Long Beach for the Big West title today at 12:30.

“For about 30 minutes, they pretty much took it to us,” New Mexico State Coach Neil McCarthy said.

Together, the teams combined to make 20 three-pointers, a tournament record. Sam Crawford of New Mexico State made seven of 11 attempts in scoring 27 points, and added nine assists. Cliff Reed had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Tracey Ware had 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Santa Barbara (18-10), which is hoping to host a National Invitation Tournament game this week, made 11 of 19 three-pointers, four by Idris Jones, who scored 16 points.