Randle gets 23, Stanford leads nearly entire way in 58-53 win over No. 7 New Mexico

New Mexico's Cameron Bairstow (41) blocks a shot by Stanford's Dwight Powell (33) during the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (The Associated Press)

New Mexico's Cameron Bairstow, left, blocks a shot by Stanford's Dwight Powell (33) during the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (The Associated Press)

ST. LOUIS – Chasson Randle scored 23 points and No. 10 seed Stanford made an impression in its first NCAA appearance since 2008, leading almost start to finish in a 58-53 victory over seventh-seeded New Mexico on Friday.

The Cardinal (22-12) built an early 16-point lead then held on after New Mexico rallied to tie it midway through the second half. They got four crucial free throws from reserve Robbie Lemons and Randle in the final half-minute after New Mexico had cut the deficit to two points. They will play the Eastern Kentucky-Kansas winner on Sunday in the third round.

Cameron Bairstow had 24 points and eight rebounds but the Lobos (27-7) got off-days from their other top threats. Kendall Williams and Alex Kirk, who together average 30 points, combined for just six.