Wolf Pack tops New Mexico State in overtime

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Associated Press

LAS CRUCES, N.M. " Armon Johnson scored six of his 20 points in overtime and Luke Babbitt added four of his 22 points in the extra period as Nevada beat New Mexico State 79-71 Thursday night.

The Wolf Pack (8-7 overall, in the 1-1 Western Athletic Conference) rallied to force overtime in the final 15 seconds.

Babbitt made one free throw and his missed second foul shot was rebounded by teammate Lyndale Burleson and Malik Cooke's tip-in with 12 seconds left tied the score at 67.

Babbitt's two free throws with 2:18 remaining in overtime put Nevada ahead to stay at 71-69.

Johnson hit a jumper with 1:44 left and he made two foul shots with 37 seconds showing for a 75-69 lead.

Two free throws apiece by Babbitt and Johnson capped the Wolf Pack's 10-0 run for a 79-69 bulge with 13 seconds left.

Babbitt's 22 points tied his career high and he added 12 rebounds. Joe Shaw finished with 13 points for Nevada.

New Mexico State (8-8, 2-1) was led by Troy Gillenwater's career-high 22 points. Jonathan Gibson had 18 points for the Aggies.

Nevada's victory was its 27th in its last 35 conference games away from home.

Babbitt's outburst marked his fourth 20-point game of the season.

It was also Johnson's 20-point game of the year as well.

Cooke and junior Joey Shaw each tied their career bests with 10 and eight rebounds, respectively.

Nevada outrebounded New Mexico State 51-43 and will travel to Louisiana Tech Saturday at 2 p.m.