PCAA Roundup : New Mexico State Romps; Pacific Edges Fresno State

Sophomore forward Johnny Roberson scored 24 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead New Mexico State to an 87-69 victory over UC Santa Barbara Saturday night at Las Cruces, N.M.

The victory improved New Mexico State’s record to 11-12 overall and 5-7 in the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. The Gauchos dropped to 10-10 for the year and 5-6 in conference play.

New Mexico, behind Roberson, sophomore forward Steve McGlothin and senior guard Kenny Travis, scored 15 straight points over a 3 1/2 minute stretch late in the game to push a 64-60 advantage to a comfortable 79-60.

Junior guard Brian Johnson scored a game-high 27 points for the Gauchos, hitting 9 of 15 three-pointers. The nine three-pointers were one shy of the conference season high of 10 set by guard Freddie Banks of Nevada Las Vegas.

Pacific 50, Fresno St. 46--Christian Gray made two free throws with nine seconds remaining, after the Tigers’ lead was cut to two points, and Pacific pulled out a narrow victory at Stockton.

Karlwin Matthews scored 13 points, Brent Counts 12 and Gray 11 for Pacific, which is 9-11 overall and 5-6 in the conference. Fresno State fell to 7-15 and 2-9.