March 9, 2002
Final Stats?|? Notes?|? Photo Gallery
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Deandre Moore hit two free throws with 3.3 seconds remaining as San Diego State beat UNLV 78-75 Saturday night to win the Mountain West Conference tournament and advance to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1985.
The Aztecs led by as many as 16 points in the second half, but UNLV got within 76-75 on two free throws by Marcus Banks with 4.8 seconds remaining. But Moore was fouled and converted both free throws with 3.3 seconds to go for the Aztecs (21-11).
After a timeout, the Rebels' Lou Kelly had a shot from just beyond halfcourt that hit the back of the rim and bounced away. Tournament MVP Randy Holcomb led San Diego State with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Al Faux added 16 points and Mike Mackell 15.
Kelly led the Rebels (20-10) with 24 points. Dalron Johnson had 23 and Banks scored 18. The Rebels beat the Aztecs twice during the regular season, both times in overtime.
On Saturday, the Aztecs seemed to have the game in hand, leading from the 16:13 mark of the first half. San Diego State led 68-53 with 5 minutes remaining, but turned the ball over five straight times as the Rebels rallied to cut the lead to 68-62 with 3:55 left.
Banks hit a 3-pointer and two field goals, and Johnson hit two free throws in that run. Mackell ended the streak with a layup to put the Aztecs ahead 70-62.
Banks again cut the lead to six points with two free throws, and after another Aztec turnover Johnson scored to make it 70-66. Faux drove to the basket for a layup to put the Aztecs up 72-66, but Johnson responded with another basket.
The Aztecs extended their lead to 74-68 on two free throws by Moore, but Banks made a 3-point play to bring the Rebels to within 74-71 with 1:06 remaining.
Tony Bland made one of two free throws for San Diego State with 34.6 seconds remaining, but Kelly countered with an inside jumper to pull the Rebels within 75-73 with 30 seconds left.
Faux was fouled and made one of two free throws with 25.8 seconds left and after an exchange of turnovers, Banks made two free throws bring the Rebels to within 76-75 with 4.8 seconds left.