MORAGA -- Joe Rahon scored 14 points and hit two free throws with 1.5 seconds left to help Saint Mary's advance to the NIT second round with a 58-56 victory over New Mexico State on Tuesday night.
New Mexico State pulled to 56-52 with 2:32 left but missed 3-pointers on its next two possessions and Ian Baker's floater in the lane rolled out with 36 seconds left at McKeon Pavilion. Saint Mary's turned it over on an inbound play with 27.6 seconds left. After a time out, Baker drove the lane and made a layup to cut New Mexico State's deficit to 56-54 with 22.