GREELEY, Colo. (AP) - Christian Kabongo scored 20 points on 50 percent shooting as New Mexico State outscored Northern Colorado 48-34 in the second half to cruise to an 89-75 victory over Northern Colorado Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.
Northern Colorado emerged from a 41-all tie at half with a 9-2 run, capped by an emphatic dunk by Connor Osborne at the 16:38 mark of the second half to put the Bears up 50-43. The Aggies responded with a 7-point scoring spree in a 34 second span to tie the game at 50, precipitated by a turnover and two missed shots by the Bears.
New Mexico State proceeded to slow the tempo and traded baskets with the Bears until Sy Bandja hit a 3-pointert with 9:08 left to put the Aggies up 58-56. New Mexico State began an 18-6 run over the next five minutes to seal the game.
