Fields nets career-high 32 points, leads UNR

RENO -- Brandon Fields scored a career-high 32 points to lead UNR over New Mexico State 100-92 on Thursday.

Luke Babbitt added 23 points for the Wolf Pack (18-11, 10-5 Western Athletic Conference), including nine free throws down the stretch.

Jahmar Young scored 22 points and Jonathan Gibson and Troy Gillenwater 17 apiece for the Aggies (19-10, 11-4).

The Wolf Pack trailed 58-55 with 10:56 to play after a three-point play by Gordo Castillo but rallied with a 25-8 run in the next five minutes to build an 80-66 lead with 4:50 left.

Fields and Babbitt each scored nine points during the run.

In the final four minutes, the Wolf Pack scored only two baskets but hit 16 of 18 free throws, including 9 of 10 by Babbitt.

The Aggies pulled within 91-85 on a layup by Young but could get no closer, as Joey Shaw, who finished with 15 points, hit two free throws and Dario Hunt, who had 14 points, scored on a dunk to put the game away.

Wendell McKines had 13 points and 13 rebounds for New Mexico State.

The score was tied 41-41 at halftime, as both teams shot the ball well. UNR hit 17 of 34 percent, and New Mexico State hit 17 of 31.

The Wolf Pack hit 18 of 28 in the second half (64.3 percent) and finished 35 of 62 (56.5 percent).

The Aggies hit 18 of 43 in the second half (41.9 percent) and finished 35 of 74 (47.3 percent).

UNR outrebounded New Mexico State 42-39, with Babbitt and Shaw grabbing nine apiece.