The No. 25 New Mexico Lobos very nearly got caught sleeping against the Indiana St. Sycamores on Saturday, but they held on for the 77-68 overtime win. The Sycamores outscored the Lobos 45-31 in the final 20 minutes and simply would not quit, tying the game on a Jake Odum layup with seconds left to play.
No. 25 New Mexico vs. Indiana State final score: Lobos fight off Sycamore comeback, win 77-68 in OT
The New Mexico Lobos were severely outplayed in the second half but recovered in overtime to put away the Indiana State Sycamores.
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
New Mexico managed to regroup at the end of regulation and dominated the overtime period, 13-4, preserving their undefeated start and improving to 8-0.
New Mexico entered the season expecting big things from their backcourt, but recent games have seen Alex Kirk making big contributions from the front. That continued against Indiana State, as Kirk scored double digits for the fifth straight game, shooting 3-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the line for 10 points. Kendall Williams led the Lobos in scoring, shooting 7-of-16 on field goals and 8-of-11 on free throws for 24 points. Free throws were New Mexico's saving grace, as they picked up 28 of 34 attempts while ISU managed only 18 of 30.
Jake Odum led the charge for the Sycamores with 25 points, 21 of which came in the second half. Manny Arop added another 17 points, including eight in the final 20. Despite the loss, Indiana State's showing was a big step up from its previous outing against a ranked team, an 86-59 loss to then-No. 13 UCLA.
New Mexico next faces the USC Trojans at home, while Indiana State heads on the road to face the Morehead St. Eagles.
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