ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 31 -- Kenny Thomas continued his strong play Thursday night with 23 points as 17th-ranked New Mexico struggled to a 67-61 victory over Coppin State. Thomas has averaged 20.1 points in six games since returning to lineup, but New Mexico (11-1) got an unexpected test from the lightly regarded Eagles.
Coppin State took a 54-52 lead on Jorge Cajigas' basket with 6:40 remaining. John Robinson, who scored 18 points, hit a three-pointer 20 seconds later to put New Mexico ahead to stay and Roland Hannah dunked to make it 57-54. The Lobos maintained the lead by scoring eight of their final 10 points from the foul line. Robinson hit two free throws to give them a 67-58 advantage with 10 seconds remaining. New Mexico (11-1) notched its 38th consecutive non-conference victory at 'The Pit' and improved to 60-2 at home since the start of the 1995- 96 season. The Lobos have played only one road game this season. Freshman Fred Warrick scored 17 points for Coppin State (2-10), which has dropped six of its last seven games and suffered its third loss to a ranked opponent. The Eagles were coming off an 87-73 defeat to No. 24 Iowa and fell at Syracuse on Nov. 19.
