NMSU falls to Saint Mary’s in NIT opener, 58-56

MORAGA, Calif. –New Mexico St. learned the hard way how one call can end a season in their 58-56 loss at Saint Mary’s Tuesday in the NIT opening round.

The Aggies fought back valiantly against the Saint Mary’s Gaels in the second half only to see their efforts wasted on a late foul call.

New Mexico St. erased a 13 point deficit and tied the game with 2.1 seconds to play when Tanveer Bhullar banked in a hook shot while being swarmed by defenders.

Immediately after that play, Braxton Huggins fouled Joe Rahon of Saint Mary’s after he caught the inbounds pass.

Rahon proceeded to make two free throws, effectively ending the 2015-16 campaign of the Aggies.

Pascal Siakam led the Aggies with 19 points and 14 rebounds – his 27th double-double of the season. Ian Baker added 13 points.

New Mexico St. ends its season with a 23-11 record.