University of Oregon
New Mexico
Oregon Falls at New Mexico, 68-61
12/18/05 | Men's Basketball
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - David Chiotti scored 18 points and freshman point guard Ryan Kersten added 14 in his first career start, leading New Mexico to a 68-61 win over Oregon on Saturday night.
Mark Walters had 14 points and seven assists and Kellen Walter scored 12 points on four 3-pointers, including one with 58 seconds to play that put the Lobos (6-3) ahead by seven.
New Mexico needed the late basket because the Ducks (5-4) had a chance to tie the game at 61, but Brandon Lincoln's three pointer with :15 left bounced off the front rim, and New Mexico converted its free throws.
The Ducks overcame a 30-23 halftime deficit. Malik Hairston, who led Oregon with 16 points, had nine of his team's first 16 points after the break to lead the rally.
Aaron Brooks scored 10 of Oregon's 12 points midway through the half. He made 3-pointers on consecutive possessions, then hit a pair of free throws and added a drive from the baseline to put the Ducks ahead by four.
Brooks finished with 14 points while Adam Zahn scored a career-high 13.
Chiotti's jumper in the paint pulled New Mexico within two. Kersten put the Lobos ahead by two after a four-point play with 7:30 remaining. He made a 3-pointer and was fouled by Hairston, then added the free throw.
The teams traded runs the rest of the way, until Chiotti sealed the victory with four free throws in the final 10 seconds.
