Aggies remain perfect in WAC

Rally in second half to beat Antelopes

NM STATE 74, GRAND CANYON 70

LAS CRUCES — Jemerrio Jones scored 27 points and matched his career high by snaring 20 rebounds as New Mexico State thrilled a packed homecourt crowd by coming from behind to beat Grand Canyon, 74-70 Saturday night.

The victory enabled the Aggies men to remain unbeaten in Western Athletic Conference play.

Grand Canyon, which was upset Thursday by UT-Rio Grande Valley, falls to fourth in the WAC behind Seattle and Utah Valley with four losses in conference.

The Antelopes held a 10-point lead, 63-53, after Keonta Vernon scored at the basket with 7:52 left. Jones then answered with three straight field goals.

After Vernon hit the first of two free throws, A.J. Harris made two foul shots and knocked down a trey to tie the game and Zach Lofton put the Aggies ahead, 66-64. with two more free throws. Harris’ layup with 1:49 left put New Mexico State up for good, 71-69.

Lofton and Harris both contributed 15 points for New Mexico State (22-3, 9-0).

Oscar Frayer scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Grand Canyon (17-9, 6-4).

Vernon and Alessandro Lever added 13 points apiece for the Angelopes.

New Mexico State returns to action Thursday night when it plays in Orem, Utah, against Utah Valley.