RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dramatic second-half reversal, Jake Hall scored 24 points to lead New Mexico to an 81-78 victory over VCU on Wednesday night at Siegel Center.

The Lobos, who trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half, erased a five-point halftime deficit by clamping down defensively after the break. VCU, which had scored 46 points on 48% shooting in the first half, was held to 32 points on 29% shooting in the second.

The most critical sequence came in the final 30 seconds with New Mexico protecting a three-point lead. After a VCU timeout with 32 seconds left, Rams guard Brandon Jennings drove for a potential tying layup but had his attempt blocked by New Mexico’s Antonio Chol. The loose ball went out of bounds off the Lobos, giving VCU another chance.

On the ensuing inbounds play, Jennings again attacked the rim, but his shot was altered by Chol and missed. New Mexico’s Luke Haupt secured the defensive rebound and was fouled with 20 seconds remaining. Haupt missed the front end of a one-and-one, but VCU’s Terrence Hill secured the rebound for the Rams.

With one final opportunity to tie, VCU worked the ball to Nyk Lewis, whose deep three-point attempt was off the mark. New Mexico’s Uriah Tenette grabbed the rebound and was fouled, sealing the road victory for the Lobos.

The game was a tale of two halves, largely dictated by New Mexico’s defensive adjustments. VCU raced to a 46-41 halftime lead behind efficient offense and a 15-6 advantage in offensive rebounds, which led to 11 second-chance points. The Rams’ backcourt of Jennings and Lewis combined for 19 first-half points, while the team connected on five three-pointers.

New Mexico stayed within striking distance due to the scoring of Hall and the interior presence of Tomislav Buljan, who had nine of his 11 points before halftime. The Lobos also excelled at the free-throw line, making 12 of 13 attempts in the opening period.

The second half belonged to New Mexico’s defense. The Lobos tightened their perimeter coverage, forcing VCU into difficult shots. The Rams, who finished 7 of 26 from three-point range for the game, made just two long-range baskets after halftime. New Mexico also cleaned up its defensive glass, limiting VCU to only four second-chance points in the second half.

Offensively, New Mexico methodically worked its way back. Hall scored 14 of his points after the break, including a crucial three-pointer with 2:40 remaining that gave the Lobos a 78-75 lead they would not relinquish. Deyton Albury provided a key spark off the bench with 14 points, and Buljan’s physical play inside helped counter VCU’s aggressive frontcourt.

VCU was led by Jennings, who finished with 13 points, six assists and three blocks. Lewis and Jadrian Tracey each added 14 points for the Rams. Michael Belle contributed nine points and nine rebounds.

The game was a statistical oddity. Despite being out-rebounded 41-30 overall and committing 13 turnovers to VCU’s nine, New Mexico prevailed by being more efficient with its possessions. The Lobos shot 50% from the field and a stellar 86% from the free-throw line. VCU, meanwhile, shot just 38.7% from the floor.

The win improved New Mexico’s record to 8-2, while VCU fell to 6-4. The Lobos have now won four of their last five games, including a road win at Mississippi State. VCU saw a three-game winning streak snapped.

New Mexico will host Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday. VCU is scheduled to play Niagara at home on Monday.

The game was played in front of a crowd of 7,637 at Siegel Center. VCU had been a 10-point favorite according to sportsbooks, and the total score of 159 points went under the pregame over/under line of 153.