Boston College outlasts New Mexico to earn 69-65 victory

Boston College guard Olivier Hanlan, left, dribbles against New Mexico guard Devon Williams during a NCAA college basketball game in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) (The Associated Press)

Boston College forward Garland Owens, right, battles for a rebound against New Mexico guard Sam Logwood during a NCAA college basketball game in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) (The Associated Press)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Olivier Hanlan had 20 points and Aaron Brown added 16 as Boston College held off New Mexico 69-65 Thursday in the opening round of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

The Eagles (2-1) led by as many as 13 points in the second half and were able to beat back multiple Lobos runs down the stretch.

Hugh Greenwood led the Lobos (2-1) with 24 points.

New Mexico kept it close despite playing most of the final 20 minutes without point guard Cullen Neal, who left with a sprained left ankle. The Lobos bench also chipped in 22 points.

The Eagles advance to play the winner of George Mason and West Virginia on Friday. The Lobos will play the loser of that matchup in the consolation round.