San Diego State defense throttles New Mexico 83-56
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- San Diego State's Malik Pope scored 20 points and the Aztecs held New Mexico to its worst shooting game of the season while forcing 20 turnovers Tuesday to beat the Lobos 83-56.
San Diego State (22-8, 15-2 Mountain West) had runs of 16-0 and 12-1 in the first half, and 27-6 in the second.
The second first-half run turned a 21-20 deficit into a 32-22 Aztecs lead and New Mexico (16-14, 9-8) would not get closer than six the rest of the way.
That came after Aztecs reserve Matt Shrigley was ejected at the 9:29 mark when he smacked Elijah Brown across the face after a steal and drive to the basket. Brown converted all four foul shots to pull the Lobos within 56-50, but San Diego State responded with the game-ending surge.
Brown finished with 18 points, but was 2-for-14 from the field and the Lobos as a team went 14-for-39 to lose their fourth straight. It's also the fourth straight win for the Aztecs in the series.
Trey Kell added 15 points for the Aztecs, including hitting 3-of-4 on 3-pointers and reserve Dakarai Allen added 11.
The Aztecs shot 55.1 percent from the field and finished 9-for-15 on 3s.
The 20 New Mexico turnovers equaled a season-high and led to 31 San Diego State points. The Aztecs also outscored New Mexico 30-16 in the paint while earning a 29-23 rebounding advantage.
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TIP INS:
San Diego State: The Aztecs set a conference record with their eighth road win of the season.
New Mexico: Tim Williams, New Mexico's second leading scorer, didn't attempt his first shot until the 13:38 mark of the second half when he laid one in off the glass. The Lobos honored three seniors -- Michael Nesbitt, Connor Joy and Tim Jacobs in a post-game ceremony.
UP NEXT:
San Diego State is home Saturday against UNLV.
New Mexico finishes the regular season Saturday at Nevada.
