Irvine Almost Pulls Off Upset, but New Mexico State Hangs On

LAS CRUCES, N.M. —  There were more wacky goings-on from UC Irvine’s mixed-up season Thursday night at New Mexico State.

The Anteaters came to the Pan American Center trying to snap a 14-game losing streak. New Mexico State, hoping to crack the national rankings any day now, was desperately trying to take Irvine seriously.

All things considered, who would have figured a taut New Mexico State victory, 79-75, before 9,484?

Who would have known the Anteaters would make 21 of 26 free throws, force the Aggies into 17 turnovers and rally from 17 points down late in the game?

Irvine did all those things and nearly came away with a Big West Conference upset.

New Mexico State led, 70-53, when Randy Brown made one of two free throws with 8:22 left. The Aggies finally seemed to have shaken off the Anteaters, but suddenly went flat.

Jeff Herdman’s bank shot a moment later got Irvine started on a 18-6 run. And when Herdman fed Rod Palmer for a three-point basket, the Anteaters were within 76-73 with 55 seconds left.

Brown hit two free throws, but Herdman hit a short jump shot with Brown draped over him.

William Benjamin made one of two free throws to give the Aggies a 79-75 lead that held up when Irvine missed four three-point shots in the final 20 seconds.

“Everyone was a no-show tonight,” Aggie Coach Neil McCarthy said. “We were fortunate to win. I’m embarrassed. We ought to give our fans their money back.”

Herdman had 22 points for Irvine (2-19, 0-12), while Brown scored 19 for New Mexico State (19-2, 10-1).