Nov. 26, 2005
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – David Chiotti scored 16 points and New Mexico’s defense held off UTEP’s 3-point shooters in the final minute to beat the Miners 76-72 Saturday.
New Mexico (4-1) turned back the Miners (2-1) time and again in the second half after reserve Kellen Walter’s 3-pointer put the Lobos in front for good at 48-46 with 13:56 left.
John Tofi’s double-double – 19 points and 12 rebounds – led the Miners. Guard Miguel Ayala, playing for the first time this season, scored 19, including four 3-pointers. Ayala missed UTEP’s first two games this season with a knee injury.
Ayala missed two 3-point shots and guard Edgar Moreno also missed from behind the arc in the final minute. Moreno and Ayala missed back-to-back 3s in the final 32 seconds and UTEP down 75-72. Chiotti scored the game’s final point by hitting one of two free throws with six seconds left.
UTEP and New Mexico have played 137 times in a series that started in 1929, but this was the first time in five seasons the teams met.
It didn’t take long to renew the intensity of the rivalry that was in its heyday when Don Haskins was the Miners’ coach and Bob King and Norm Ellenberger were coaching the Lobos.
With the score tied at 42, UTEP center Will Kimble was called for an intentional foul. Chiotti hit one of two free throws and made a jump hook.
Moments later, New Mexico guard Kris Collins was whistled for a foul and coach Ritchie McKay drew a technical after protesting the call by slamming his fist on press row and charging onto the court.
Ayala converted the two technical foul shots to get the Miners within 45-44 and then added two more free throws with 14:13 left to give UTEP its last lead at 46-45.
Mark Walters scored 16 points, going 11-for-11 on free throws, and Tony Dandridge had a career-high 14 points for New Mexico while Collins finished with 12 points.