Marlon Maxey scored 15 points, including four in overtime, to lead Texas-El Paso to a 74-72 Western
Athletic Conference victory over Wyoming Thursday in El Paso, Texas.The victory gave coach Don Haskins his 598th career victory and put the Miners (19-5, 9-4) a half game back of Brigham Young in the WAC race. Wyoming fell to 13-11 overall and 5-7 in the conference.
The game went into overtime after Brett Studdard hit a layup that gave the Cowboys a 60-58 lead with three minutes to go in regulation.
But Studdard fouled Maxey, who hit both free throws to tie it at 60.
In overtime, the Miners quickly scored six straight points before Studdard hit a 3-pointer to make the score 66-63 with 1:38 remaining.
The Miners' Gym Bice countered with a 3-pointer and UTEP built a comfortable 71-63 lead with 39 seconds remaining. But stubborn Wyoming cut the score to 74-72 in a 9-3 run that included three 3-pointers.
A desperation jumper by Alexander, who had a game-high 23 points, missed at the buzzer.
Hawaii 79, Colorado St. 65
In Honolulu, Phil Lott scored 22 of his 29 points in the first half Thursday night to power Hawaii to a 79-65 Western Athletic Conference victory over Colorado State.
Five quick points by Lott and a field goal by Fabio Ribeiro gave Hawaii (14-9 overall, 7-5 in the WAC) a 45-33 lead early in the second half.
But the Rams (12-13, 6-5) rallied briefly behind the long-distance shooting of Keith Bonds, who connected on a pair of 3-pointers and two free throws to make it 45-41 with 16:19 left.
Air Force 60, San Diego State 58
In San Diego, George Irvin scored 16 points and Dale French added 15 as Air Force handed San Diego State its 17th straight loss, 60-58 Thursday night in the Western Athletic Conference.
San Diego State had a chance to force overtime, but Virgil Smith missed an off-balance, 12-footer and time expired during a battle for the rebound. The Aztecs (2-22, 0-12) matched the longest losing streak in school history, set in 1986-87.
Air Force (9-15, 3-9) won its second straight game, following Saturday's 75-72 victory over Texas-El Paso, then ranked No. 21.