Young Lifts New Mexico State Over Nevada 80-79

By SCOTT SONNER

Associated Press Writer

RENO, Nev. (AP) – Jahmar Young drove the lane for a basket with 3.8 seconds on the clock to give New Mexico State a wild 80-79 victory over Nevada in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament Friday night.

Troy Gillenwater had 21 points, Wendell McKines 16 and Young 15 for the Aggies (21-11).

They led by as many as eight points in the second half before holding on down the stretch to advance to Saturday night’s title game against top-seeded Utah State (27-6), which won its 17th straight Friday against Louisiana Tech 85-55.

Luke Babbitt scored a career-high 33 points for the Wolf Pack (20-12), including a pair of free throws that had put Nevada ahead 79-78 with 45 seconds left.

Armon Johnson missed about a 30-foot desperation shot as time expired for the Wolf Pack. He finished with 13 points and 10 assists.

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