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LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) -- Yemi Nicholson scored 30 points to lead Denver to an 81-58 win over New Mexico State in Sun Belt Conference action Saturday night.
Nicholson, a 6-10 junior, scored 16 points in a row early in the second half to help the Pioneers (16-9, 10-3) pull away for the easy win. He also had 13 rebounds.
Nicholson had a career-high 34 points against NMSU two weeks ago in Denver.
New Mexico State (5-21, 1-12) struggled offensively, shooting 39 percent from the field and 57 percent from the free throw line. It was the Aggies' eighth loss in a row.
Denver was 19-19 from the free throw line.
NMSU led early in the game, but Denver began to take control midway through the first half when the Pioneers went on an 11-0 run to go up 32-20.
After trailing 45-33 at halftime, the Aggies cut the deficit to nine points early in the second half before Nicholson ignited another 11-0 run to put Denver up by 20, 64-44.
Duane John led NMSU with 17 points, while Josh Jenkins and Jeff Jones added nine points each.
Antonio Porch and Andrew Carpenter scored 12 points apiece for Denver, followed by Rodney Billups with 10.
New Mexico State reserve guard Antwan Alexander missed the contest because of a one-game suspension for breaking a team rule.
