PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Kendall Williams scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and bottled up Long Beach State star Casper Ware defensively to help fifth-seeded New Mexico hold on for a 75-68 victory in the West Regional on Thursday.
Drew Gordon added 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Lobos.
With most of the 49ers’ defensive efforts focused on slowing down Gordon, New Mexico’s punishing forward, Williams came up with key shots when the opportunities were there. The Lobos (28-6) then hit their free throws in the final minute to advance to play No. 4 seed Louisville on Saturday.
Williams’ length and quickness bothered Ware. The Big West player of the year went nearly 25 minutes without a field goal and finished with 17 points on 5-of-19 shooting.
T.J. Robinson added 12 points and 14 rebounds for 12th-seeded Long Beach State (25-9).
