LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Pascal Siakam scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as New Mexico State romped past Utah Valley, 98-74 on Saturday night to remain in first-place in the Western Athletic Conference.
The victory keeps the Aggies (16-8, 8-1) one game ahead of Grand Canyon.
New Mexico State got off to a fast start behind Siakam, who scored six points in the first three minutes to stake the Aggies to an 11-0 lead. After Eli Chuha hit a layup with two seconds left in the first half, New Mexico State had a 57-32 advantage. Ian Baker pushed the lead to 60-32 on a 3-pointer less than a minute into the second half.
Siakam, a finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, was 11 of 18 from the field. Jalyn Pennie added 16 points for New Mexico State.
Marcel Davis scored 21 to lead Utah Valley (10-14, 4-5).
