LAS CRUCES, N.M. - New Mexico State almost squandered a 17-point second half lead, but a dunk by center Hamidu Rahman with 9.4 seconds left gave the Aggies a 65-63 Western Athletic Conference victory over Louisiana Tech on Monday. The Aggies (14-12, 8-5 WAC) won their third straight game for just the second time this season and they look to return the favor in 10 days when they travel to Ruston, La., in hopes of sweeping the Bulldogs (10-16, 4-9) in the regular season series. Aggies forward Wendell McKines posted his 13th double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds and guard Jahmar Young added 15 points. New Mexico State closed the first half on a 13-3 run in the last six minutes for a 30-23 lead at the half. The Aggies pushed their lead to 47-31 with a 12-2 run early in the second half. NMSU led by as many as 17 in the second half and withstood a late charge that saw the Bulldogs close to within 62-51 with 30.4 seconds left on a Kyle Gibson 25-footer from the top of the key. Louisiana Tech guard Jamel Guyton led the Bulldogs with 27 points as he pulled the Bulldogs even at 63-63 with 16.3 left on a drive and Gibson's 30-footer at the buzzer rimmed out.
