Albuquerque, NM (Sports Network) - Dairese Gary poured in a career-high 25 points and hit some key free throws down the stretch to guide No. 23 New Mexico to a 76-72 win over 12th-ranked BYU, snapping the Cougars' 15-game winning streak.
No. 12 BYU Visits No. 23 New Mexico In Key Battle Out West
Roman Martinez added 12 points and Curtis Dennis chipped in 11 for the Lobos (19-3, 5-2 MWC), who notched their fifth straight victory and dealt the Cougars their first conference loss of the season. The Lobos also went to 4-0 against ranked teams this season.
Jimmer Fredette had 27 points for BYU (20-2, 5-1), which lost for the first time since December 2 at Utah State. Jonathan Tavernari finished with 17 points and Noah Hartsock 10 for the Cougars.
Fredette drilled a three-pointer for a 64-62 lead with just over three minutes remaining, but a three-point play by Phillip McDonald gave New Mexico the lead for good. A.J. Hardeman added a jumper.
After Hartsock went 1-of-2 at the foul line, Gary knifed through the lane for a layup and a 69-65 Lobos advantage. He then made 7-of-8 foul shots in the final 1:12 to seal the victory.
A three-ball by Gary stretched New Mexico to a 22-13 lead midway through the first half, but BYU got within 36-32 at the break.
This was just the second time that New Mexico and BYU were ranked going into the game. On February 17, 1973, No. 18 New Mexico beat No. 20 BYU, 76-66, in Provo...BYU holds a 74-52 lead in the all-time series.
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