Nov. 20, 2008
Post-Game Press Conference: Steve Alford | Daniel Faris and Phillip McDonald
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)– Daniel Faris scored 18 points, leading five teammates who scored in double figures, as New Mexico took control early to beat Grambling State 96-50 on Thursday night.
Roman Martinez and Phillip McDonald each scored 15 for the Lobos (2-1), while Chad Toppert had 10 points, Dairese Gary had 11 and A.J. Hardeman 10. Faris, Martinez and Hardeman combined to shoot 17-of-23 from the floor.
Ibrahim Kpaka led the Tigers (0-2) with 17 points.
New Mexico used an 18-3 run in the opening minutes, when Faris scored five points, and the Lobos never were threatened. New Mexico added a 17-3 burst just before halftime and led 49-18 at the break.
New Mexico’s defense held Grambling State scoreless for three different stretches of at least three minutes in the first half.
Tony Danridge had a career-high eight assists for New Mexico, with all but one coming in the first half.
The Lobos shot 56.7 percent from the field, hitting 34-of-60, while limiting Grambling State to a 16-of-61 effort. New Mexico made 12-of-23 from 3-point range, with Martinez and Gary each hitting 3-of-4.