Toppert’s 3-point accuracy triggers blowout by Lobos
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Chad Toppert made five 3-pointers and scored 22 points off the bench, leading New Mexico to a 91-51 rout over Colorado State in Mountain West Conference play Tuesday.
Toppert made 5 of 9 3-pointers, helping the Lobos finish 12-for-20 from behind the arc. They made 10 of their first 13 attempts, and seven players had at least one 3-point basket.
J.R. Giddens finished with 19 points for the Lobos.
New Mexico (17-6, 4-4 MWC) dominated last-place Colorado State (6-16, 0-8) from the opening tip with sharp shooting and relentless defense. After sprinting to a 21-8 lead, New Mexico tied its biggest halftime lead of the season, 50-24.
Dairese Gary opened the second half with consecutive 3-pointers to trigger a 15-0 surge that pushed New Mexico's lead to 65-24. The Rams didn't make their first basket of the second half until 6:25 had expired.
Conference scoring leader Marcus Walker scored 11 points for the Rams, who shot 34 percent from the field, hitting 17 of 50 attempts.
