New Mexico State holds on to beat Texas-Pan American 53-48

Jan 31, 2015, 11:31 pm

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Daniel Mullings hit three 3-pointers on his way to 14 points to help New Mexico State hold on and beat Texas-Pan American 53-48 on Saturday night.

New Mexico State (13-10, 5-1 Western Athletic Conference) has won three straight and eight of its last nine games.

The Aggies led by as many as 16 points, and had a 14-point lead with 6:47 to play. Texas-Pan American chipped way, using a 13-1 run to pull within 48-46 with 2:33 left. Mullings missed a pair of free throws, but the Broncs couldn't capitalize when Tshilidzi Nephawe blocked Shaquille Hines's layup, and Shaquille Boga missed a 3 with 41 seconds left.

The Aggies made 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch, and finished 15 of 24 from the line to seal it.

Janari Joesaar scored 23 points and Boga added 16 to lead Texas-Pan American (8-14, 2-4).