ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alex Kirk had 20 points and Cameron Bairstow scored 16, including nine straight in the closing minutes to help No. 14 New Mexico beat San Diego State 70-60 on Wednesday night.
Kirk scored seven points during a key 15-3 run early in the second half that pushed New Mexico's lead to 48-33. The Lobos (24-4, 11-2 Mountain West) are one win from clinching the regular-season conference title.
The Aztecs (20-8, 8-6) got 16 points from Jamal Franklin, but none of his teammates reached double figures.
During a span of almost 5 minutes, Bairstow went 5 of 6 from the foul line, drove the lane for a dunk and added a short jumper to hold off San Diego State, which had pulled to 52-46 with 7 minutes left.
Kendall Williams, who had 46 points in his previous game, finished with eight points and eight assists for New Mexico.
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