Johnson, Babbitt guide UNR into final
RENO — Armon Johnson had 18 of his 24 points in the second half, and Luke Babbitt scored 23 overall as UNR beat Louisiana Tech 77-68 on Friday night to reach the Western Athletic Conference Tournament final.
The Wolf Pack (21-11) came back from a 21-9 deficit to earn a spot in tonight’s final against Utah State. UNR opened the second half with an 11-2 run to take its first lead, then went on a 12-1 run late in the game.
Kyle Gibson had 25 points and Magnum Rolle 24 for the sixth-seeded Bulldogs (15-18).
• Utah State 71, New Mexico State 70 — Tyler Newbold rolled in a 15-foot shot with 3.1 seconds to play, and top-seeded Utah State (29-4) overcame a 13-point halftime to beat New Mexico State (17-15).
Newbold’s shot rolled off the rim, hit the backboard and rolled in for the victory.
Gary Wilkinson scored 19 points for Utah State, which set a school record for most wins in a season.
Jonathan Gibson had 16 points for New Mexico State, which led 47-34 at halftime.