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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – New Mexico sophomore guard Mandi Moore scored 15 points and handed out six assists in 40 minutes as the Lobos held off San Diego State, 54-49 in the first round of the Mountain West Conference Tournament at the Thomas and Mack Center on Wednesday evening. New Mexico has met SDSU in the MWC Tournament three straight years, winning each time. UNM will play Colorado State on Friday at 3:30 p.m. (M.S.T.).
The Lobos led for all but the first two minutes of the game, but had their hands full with the resilient Aztecs. Down 34-22 at the half, SDSU scored 11 unanswered points to open the second period. However, Moore connected on a three-pointer followed by a pair of Jordan Adams free throws to stifle the Aztec rally.
The two teams traded baskets down the stretch, but New Mexico’s determination on the boards proved to be the difference. The Lobos outrebounded the Aztecs 40-31 on the night, including 12-7 on the offensive end.
Senior forward Chelsea Grear pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, including five offensive and scored all eight of her points in the second half. Moore and Adams each recorded seven rebounds. Adams also posted a game-high five blocks, which was MWC Tournament single-game record.
San Diego State forward Ashonda Williams paced the Aztecs with 18 points and five assists. Forward Ashley Dunlap recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Both teams struggled from the floor, each shooting under 40 percent. New Mexico was just 7-25 (28 percent) in the second half, including 2-12 (16.7 percent) from three-point range.