Feb 3, 2004
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Aerick Sanders scored 27 points and added 10 rebounds as San Diego State took control in the second half to top New Mexico 72-68 on Monday night.
The Aztecs (12-9, 3-3 Mountain West) snapped a season-worst three-game losing streak, while the Lobos (11-8, 2-4) saw their road losing streak stretch to 22 games, including their last three visits to San Diego.
Sanders, who was 10-of-14 overall, led San Diego State to a 34-10 edge in points scored in the paint. The team limited New Mexico to two three-pointers in the second half after the Lobos hit 10 in the first half.
Marcus Slaughter had 11 rebounds for San Diego State, which led the Lobos 43-26 in rebounding, matching its biggest advantage of the season.
Danny Granger had 21 points to lead the Lobos, which took its third consecutive loss. They were 12-of-29 from three-point range.
The Lobos' Javin Tindell stole the ball with 35 seconds left and San Diego St. leading 68-66, but Tindell missed a rushed three-point attempt, and the Aztecs secured the rebound. Brandon Heath then hit two free throws for a 71-66 lead with 25 seconds remaining.
Down 38-35 at halftime, the Aztecs opened the second half with a 12-5 run to take the lead for good. They took their biggest lead, 65-53, with 5:09 left.