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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Aggies rough up Vandals

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Justin Hawkins scored 25 points to lead New Mexico State to an 88-49 men’s basketball win and a season sweep against the Idaho Vandals in the Pan American Center on Wednesday.

The Aggies (13-12, 7-3 Western Athletic Conference) outscored the Vandals (5-16, 2-8 WAC) 44-26 in the second half to extend a 21-point halftime lead. The win followed a 78-68 Aggies victory over the Vandals in Idaho on Jan. 2.

The Aggies controlled the game early as they took advantage of 15 first-half turnovers by the Vandals and hit 91 percent from the line in the opening half.

The Aggies continued their dominance in the second half and built a 40-point lead with 3 minutes remaining.

Hawkins went 9 for 14 from the field and hit all six of his free throws.

Sophomore Jonathan Gibson added 17 points, freshman Wendell McKines scored 11 points and the Aggies bench combined for 28 points.

Senior forward Darin Nagle led Idaho with 14 points and six rebounds. But with 21 turnovers, the Vandals could not muster a comeback.

Idaho leading scorer Jordan Brooks, who has averaged 12.8 points per game, finished with six points and six rebounds.