LAS CRUCES -- It wasn't pretty, but Lobos coach Don Flanagan will take the win.
In-state rival New Mexico State (2-9) put No. 16/18 New Mexico (9-2) on notice, heating up the typically lopsided series and narrowly falling to the Lobos 79-77 in triple overtime.
"We know we were lucky to get out of here with a win," Flanagan said. "They wanted this win more and outplayed us."
Sophomore foward Dionne Marsh scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. She forced the second overtime with a rebound and bucket with seven seconds left. Marsh also became the heart of the Lobos struggling offense down the stretch and carried the team in the third extra period.
Senior guard Abbie Letz also had a double-double, with 14 points and 10 rebounds before leaving with back spasms late in the second half.
Junior point guard Katie Montgomery poured in 15 points, with nine of them coming in the second overtime to keep the Lobos hopes alive.
And sophomore guard Brandi Kimble gave New Mexico a sorely needed boost of energy to open the second half, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Aggies pounced in the first half, smoothly running their offense and racking up a nine-point lead. New Mexico rebounded in the second by spreading the floor, using one post player and four others on the perimeter to prevent double teams. The Lobos led by as many as nine, but poor rebounding help New Mexico State claw back into the game.
Guard Cecilia Russell-Nava led the Aggies with 18 points, while guard Irma Kmitaite added 17. Forward Jenean Ford grabbed 16 rebounds and scored 12 points, including a buzzer-beater layup to force the third overtime.
Guard Monique Bribiescas and forward Kalei Nance chipped in 11 apiece for New Mexico State.
"Our team worked hard, they just had a little more experience and were able to outlast us in those pressure situations," Aggies coach Darin Spence said. "I proud of our kids because they fought hard and never gave up."

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