HONOLULU – David Brown scored a career-high 25 points, including a pair of clutch free throws with two seconds left to lift Western Michigan past New Mexico State in a first-round game at the Rainbow Classic Friday.
The Aggies cut the Western Michigan lead to two points with 18 seconds left, but Connar Tava started a run of five straight free throws by converting a pair to make it 67-64. After New Mexico State was whistled for a technical foul with :02 left Brown converted a pair of free throws to make it 69-64 and Austin Richie hit the first of two to finish the scoring.
Kellen McCormick had 14 points and Richie added 10 for the Broncos.
Tshilidzi Nephawe had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the New Mexico State. Kevin Aronis missed a 3-point attempt with :08 left that would have tied the game.
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