Aztecs Fall 81-76 to Lobos, Tied for Second in MWC

San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team fell 81-76 to New Mexico Lobos on Saturday at The Pit in Albuquerque, blowing an 11-point first-half lead in a game that slipped away in the final minute and jeopardized their chances of sharing the Mountain West Conference regular-season title.

The Aztecs, who entered the matchup tied for first in the conference after a strong 89-72 victory over Utah State on Wednesday, saw their record drop to 19-9 overall and 13-5 in the Mountain West. New Mexico improved to 22-7 overall and 13-5 in conference play, pulling even with San Diego State for second place behind Utah State, which could claim sole possession of first if it won its game later Saturday against Grand Canyon.

In the win over Utah State at Viejas Arena, the Aztecs snapped a two-game skid with a dominant performance, outshooting the Aggies 54.5 percent to 41.4 percent, outrebounding them 38-30 and recording seven more assists. Reese Dixon-Waters led San Diego State with 20 points, including three 3-pointers and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Taj DeGourville added 12 points and eight assists, while Pharaoh Compton and Tae Simmons each scored 11. For Utah State,...