Jackson, Manigault help New Mexico beat Utah State 66-64

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) — Vance Jackson scored 17 points and drew a crucial foul Saturday night to help New Mexico knock off Utah State 66-64.

Corey Manigault added 16 points and had an important late steal and layup to help seal the victory for the Lobos (18-13, 7-11 Mountain West).

The Utes’ had six-game win streak snapped and the Lobos ended a five-game skid.

Neemias Queta and Sam Merrill each scored 18 for Utah State (23-8, 12-6).

A 13-0 Utah State run, which included two Merrill 3-pointers, pushed the Utes into a 52-38 lead with 11:46 to play.

But New Mexico responded with consecutive 3-pointers from Makuach Maluach, Jackson and Keith McGee to cut the lead to 52-47 just 90 seconds later.

It appeared the Aggies had weathered the comeback attempt until Jackson headed for the basket on a breakaway and got clobbered by Utah State’s Abel Porter. Porter was ejected on a flagrant 2 that was the heart of an 8-0 run, tying the score at 57-all with 3:35 left.

Utah went back up 63-59 after a 3-pointer from Diego Brito, but a Zane Martin layup, followed by a dunk and foul shot from Manigault put New Mexico up 64-63 with 44.5 seconds left. And with 23 seconds left, Manigault snagged a pass and took it down for a layup to give the Lobos just enough cushion to win.

BIG PICTURE

Utah State: Despite the loss the Utes earned a runner-up finish in the conference standings and bye for the first round of the Mountain West tournament.

New Mexico: The Lobos secured the seventh slot in the conference tournament.

UP NEXT

Utah State: The Utes face the winner of an opening-round game between Fresno State and San Jose State.

New Mexico: The Lobos take on San Jose State in an opening round game Wednesday. New Mexico and the Spartans split their regular-season games.