New Mexico State Upends UC Irvine

New Mexico State made 10 of 17 three-point shots in the first half to take command, then held on to upset Big West Conference leader UC Irvine, 83-77, Saturday night in front of 7,542 at the Pan American Center.

“We didn’t guard well enough in the first half,” Irvine Coach Rod Baker said. “They had too many wide-open shots. They had 10 threes in the first half, and they were all open.”

Despite that, the Anteaters fought back from a 44-28 halftime deficit and trailed, 80-77, after Paul Foster made two free throws with 43 seconds left. Six seconds later, the Aggies’ William Johnson was fouled, and he made one of two free throws to increase the lead to four points.

Irvine guard Brian Keefe, who had a career-high 32 points, missed a three-point try with 24 seconds left.

The Aggies’ Aaron Brodt grabbed the rebound and was fouled, but missed two free throws, giving the Anteaters another chance. But they lost the ball on a steal, and Johnson scored on a fastbreak with 12 seconds left to secure the victory.

Irvine’s loss, paired with Long Beach State’s victory at Utah State, left the Anteaters in first place by percentage points. Irvine is 13-8 overall and 9-4 in the Big West; Long Beach State is 15-9 and 10-5. New Mexico State, which was led by Charles Gosa’s 17 points, is 9-14 and 6-9.

Irvine ended up with a school-record 16 three-point baskets in 35 attempts (.457), with Keefe making seven of 16 and reserve freshman guard Clay McKnight making seven of 10 from beyond the arc.