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Show I Jte basketballers slip past Lobos foul line. The second-highest scorer in the game was New Mexico's center Ron Sanford with 24 Sanford, along with the other Lobo center Greg Howard, hurt the Utes early with lay-ups and good inside play. Sanford also hit well from the outside. Coming on strong for the Utes in the second half were forward By Geoff Towns Assistant Sports Editor New Mexico University has become just another casualty in the Runnin' Redskins' crusade against favorites. In fierce action Thursday night, the Utes began their Western Athletic Conference (WAC) campaign with a 77-76 victory over the Lobos, who are now 0-2 in conference action. The victory was Utah's fourth in as many games, raising its season mark to 7-7. New Mexico, down by seven points with 2:14 left in the game, put together a last-minute rally that fell one short. The final score was determined 47 seconds before the final gun. The Utes decided to gamble on running the clock out with a one-point lead. But the Lobos wouldn't go for it, and with 16 seconds remaining Ron Becker intentionally fouled Ute guard John Hunter. Hunter missed the free throw and the Lobos quickly got the ball downcourl. A 2&-foot jumper was missed, and for the remaining seconds no one was sitting down. All ten players were under the basket trying for the rebound. The ball went towards the hoop time and time again, but somehow managed to stay out. The gun sounded and the game was Utah's. Newlin Leads Utes Once again the offensive leader for the Utes was Mike Newlin, who pumped in 28 points, including eight for eight from the Ken Gardner and guard Bob Martin. Gardner hit for four field goals and a free throw in the half and finished with 18 points Martinsswished the net five times from the field in the final period and ended the game with 14 points. Lobos Took Half lime Advantage At the half, New Mexico led 43-40. But Utah forged, ahead in the opening minutes of the seaond half, and with 8:49 to go, led by 10, 69-59. When the Utes went into a stall in the last five minutes the Lobos pressed hard and forced unnecessary turnovers. But the Redskins settled down quickly and didn't lose their composure. Utah has proved itself to be a real WAC contender. If (ne Redskins' play continues to improve and they continue to hold up under pressure, they will be definite threats in the conference. Freshmen Win In freshman action before the Varsity contest, Utah dropped Dixie Junior College 79-76. Jin Anderson led the Ute scoring with 20 points. He was followed by Dan Cowan who sank 19. The Ute frosh, now with a 3-3 season mark, will take on the College of Eastern Utah Saturda; following the Varsity's clash with Wyoming in Einar Nielsei Fieldhouse. Game time t scheduled 5:50 p.m. X ..It L- I ? - - , ! l : I Mike Newlin led Ute scorers once again as Utah dropped the Lobos 77 to 76. Mike scored 28. |