New Mexico needs three OTs to stop New Mexico State

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) -- Dionne Marsh scored five of her 26

points in the third overtime period to lead New Mexico (No. 16 ESPN/USA Today; No. 18 AP) to a

79-77 victory over rival New Mexico State on Wednesday night.

Marsh finished with 10 rebounds for New Mexico (9-2), which has

won 19 straight against NMSU (2-7).

The teams were tied at 56-all at the end of regulation and

neither team led by more than two points in the first overtime.

Marsh sent the game into the second overtime by putting back her

own miss with a second left to tie the score at 63.

New Mexico jumped out to a 68-63 lead on a 3-pointer and a

jumper by Katie Montgomery. But the Aggies sent the game into a

third overtime when Jenean Ford scored on a follow-up at the buzzer

to make it 72-all.

The Lobos scored most of their points in the third overtime from

the free throw line. Marsh and Jana Francis hit their free throws

and Marsh added an inside basket to go ahead 78-73.

The Aggies came back with Cecilia Russell-Nava's free throw with

53 seconds left. She added a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left to make

it 78-77.

Marsh made one of two free throws with 10 seconds left to give

the Lobos a two-point lead. A desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer

by Monique Bribiescas fell short.

The Aggies outrebounded the Lobos 55-46.

Russell-Nava led New Mexico State with 18 points. Irma Kmitaite

added 17, Ford 12 and Kalei Nance and Bribiescas 11 points each.

Ford had 16 rebounds.

Montgomery scored 15 points for UNM, while Abbie Letz chipped in

with 14 and Brandi Kimble 13. Letz left the game with a leg injury

with 3:41 remaining and didn't return.