FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — The New Mexico Lobos escaped with an 80-78 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs in a Mountain West men’s basketball game Saturday at Save Mart Center.

New Mexico, which improved to 21-6, overcame a 44-32 halftime deficit by outscoring Fresno State 48-34 after the break. Jake Hall led the Lobos with 20 points, while Deyton Albury added 21. Fresno State (12-14) was paced by Jake Heidbreder’s 22 points and DeShawn Gory’s 21.

The Lobos prevailed despite being outshot from the field and losing the rebounding battle. New Mexico’s efficiency at the free-throw line, making 11 of 13, proved critical in the narrow win before a crowd of 5,402.