PHOTO BY JOE GRIMANDO

Maximiliano Gallegos / For Couch Potato Sports

FINAL: UNM 56, SDSU 73 

San Diego, CA- It was the 81st meeting between the Aztecs (12-3, 7-0) and the Lobos (12-6, 4-3), and possibly the last as San Diego State (SDSU) moves to the PAC-12 Conference next season. New Mexico leads all-time with a record of (42-37), but SDSU has won 6 of the 8 most recent matchups, including the matchup today, Jan. 14

The Lobos started hot on a 16-4 run, raining threes and being relentless on boards. 

However, in the second quarter, turnovers swung the momentum to the Aztecs, leading to a 20-4 scoring run. The Lobo would trail 25-18. 

The Lobos were able to claw their way back into trading baskets late in the first half, cutting the lead down to six. Heading into the half, the score was SDSU-35 UNM-29. 

After the half, the Lobos kept it tight, pulling within three points after the third quarter; the score was 47-50. In the final act, the Lobos hit a skid and were outscored 23-9 in the final quarter.

At the end of the day, the Aztecs had four players reach double figures including forward Kennedy Lee (15 points), guard Nala Williams (14 points), forward Bailey Barnhard (11 points), and Alyssa Jackson (11 points).

Another reason for SDSU’s success came from shooting. They shot 51% from field goals, and 52% from beyond the arc.

The Lobos were bested in steals, blocks, assists, and only shot 33% from the free throw line.

The leading scorer for the Lobos was Destinee Hooks, who logged 18 points despite going 2-8 from the free throw line.

Mike Bradbury’s squad will look to end a two-game skid, and will back at home Jan. 17 for a 2:30 p.m. showdown with Grand Canyon University (5-12, 4-3).

The Aztecs will hop on the road for a powerhouse matchup against UNLV (12-5, 7-0) Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. UNLV & SDSU are the only Mountain West teams who are still undefeated in conference play.

CPS Players of the Game:

SDSU forward Kennedy Lee– 15 points, nine rebounds, shot 63% from 3.

UNM guard Destinee Hooks– 18 points, five rebounds & one assist.