Dec. 17, 2006
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – J.R. Giddens scored 25 points and Aaron Johnson got his third double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds in New Mexico’s 79-60 win Sunday night over Longwood in the first round of the Las Vegas Classic.
New Mexico (7-2) trailed 33-32 at halftime, then broke it open with a 13-3 run in the second half. Giddens scored six points, Tony Danridge four and Chad Toppert hit a 3-pointer in the run to put the Lobos up 56-45 with 11:37 left.
Longwood (3-9) lost its sixth straight. The Lancers were led by Maurice Sumter with 16 points and Kirk Williams with 13.
The Lancers led 33-32 at halftime despite going more than 7 1/2 minutes without a field goal late in the first half. New Mexico took advantage of Longwood’s scoring drought for a 13-1 run, but Williams scored three straight baskets in the final 1:39 to give Longwood the halftime lead.
Johnson, who has been struggling offensively, repeatedly got around Longwood’s Clayton Morgan for easy baskets and hit 6 of 9 shots.
Giddens was too quick for the Lancers and created his own scoring opportunities with drives to the basket.
The Las Vegas Classic’s first round was played at four sites Sunday. New Mexico will play Charleston Southern on Tuesday and Longwood will be at USC in second round games.