ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) — Kendall Williams scored 23 points and New Mexico withstood a spirited comeback bid by Illinois-Chicago in a 66-59 victory at the Paradise Jam on Friday.
Demetrius Walker added 14 points for New Mexico (2-0), which saw its 13-point halftime lead whittled down to two, at 58-56, with 35 seconds remaining, after a steal and layup by UIC’s Daniel Barnes.
But the Lobos hit their final eight foul shots down the stretch to hold off the upstart Flames (1-1).
Hugh Greenwood had nine points and nine rebounds for New Mexico, which shot just 27.8 percent (5 for 18) from the floor in the second half.