New Mexico State upset the top-seeded Utah State Aggies to win the WAC tournament, and they may thrown a late curve to selection committee in the process.
New Mexico State stops Utah State’s 17-game winning streak, captures WAC championship and NCAA berth
NMSU slugged its way to a 69-63 win over Utah State, sealing the Aggies’ first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007. The loss ended Utah State’s 17-game winning streak and pushed USU onto the tournament bubble.
NMSU guard Jahmar Young had a team-high 19 points, including a bucket with under a minute to go that helped hold off a Utah State comeback. Young sent the Aggies into the tournament final with a last-second shot to beat Nevada in the semis on Friday, and his clutch play continued on Saturday night. Twelve of Young’s 19 points came in the second half.
As the game went back-and-forth throughout, Utah State built a five point lead with under ten minutes to go in the game. New Mexico State responded with a 17-6 run that gave NMSU a six point lead with under two minutes to play. Utah State would not come any closer than four points the rest of the way.
Utah State was led by Jared Quayle, who scored 25 points. Nate Bendall added 16, and Tai Wesley had 13 points and 12 rebounds. New Mexico State’s Troy Gillenwater had another strong game off the bench, scoring 15.
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