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New Mexico State deals UTEP its first loss, 87-80

Dec 14, 2009 - 5:03 AM EL PASO, Texas(AP) -- Jahmar Young scored 24 points and Hamidu Rahman added 12 points and 10 rebounds as New Mexico State handed UTEP its first loss, 87-80 Sunday night.

Gordo Castillo finished with 17 points and Jonathan Gibson 14 for the Aggies (3-5), who avenged a 79-58 Dec. 1 home loss to the Miners.

Randy Culpepper scored 24 and Jeremy Williams 14 for UTEP (5-1).

New Mexico State trailed by as many as 12 in the second half and 71-64 with 6:20 remaining. From there, the Aggies went on a 10-0 run to take their first lead since 33-31 and led the rest of the way. Hernst Laroche capped the outburst with a 3-pointer which gave New Mexico State a 74-71 advantage with 3:30 to play.

Culpepper hit a 3 to pull the Miners to within 79-77 with 45 seconds to go, but the Aggies then hit six straight free throws to put the game out of reach.