The New Mexico State Aggies left nothing in doubt in the WAC championship game, routing the Idaho Vandals, 77-55, to clinch an NCAA Tournament berth. It's the third year in a row the Aggies will go dancing.
New Mexico State wins 2014 WAC Basketball Tournament: Aggies down Idaho, 77-55
New Mexico State made quick work of Idaho, crushing the Vandals, 77-55, to win the WAC championship and make the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sp
Idaho kept things close in the early going, but New Mexico State quickly showed that they are the superior side, rattling off a 19-4 run to take control of the game. Sim Bhullar was a key contributor in their run -- the 7'5 giant scored 14 first-half points and grabbed seven rebounds, proving to be a matchup nightmare for the Vandals. The Aggies went into halftime leading, 39-25.
New Mexico State continued to have their way in the second half, opening up a 20-point lead and taking all potential drama out of this game. The Aggies dominated in nearly every facet of the game, dealing a swift blow to Idaho’s brief dream of dancing this year.
Bhullar sat out most of the second half with the game well in hand, sitting on his first-half total of 14 points. Daniel Mullings led the way with 18 points as the Aggies shot 55.8 percent from the floor. Stephen Mullings was one of the few bright spots for Idaho, scoring 17 points. The Vandals have long been an afterthought in college sports, but a surprise run to the WAC tournament final gives them something encouraging to build on for next season.
With a tourney bid secure, the Aggies now look to advance past the first weekend for the first time in over 20 years. They last made the Sweet Sixteen in 1992.
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