LAS VEGAS, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Tony Danridge scored 17 points to lead New Mexico to a 71-68 upset of previously unbeaten Wichita State in the Las Vegas Classic semifinals.
The Lobos face Kansas State, which beat USC 68-55, in the championship game Saturday. The eighth-ranked Shockers play USC in a consolation game.
Kyle Wilson scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Wichita State (9-1). Sean Ogirri scored 18 points for the Shockers, who played without starting forward P.J. Couisnard, who sat due to illness.
J.R. Giddens scored 14 points for the Lobos (9-2) and Jamaal Smith added 13 points for New Mexico, which won its fourth straight game. Chad Toppert added 10 points.
Ogirri's three-pointer brought the Shockers to 68-65 with 26 seconds left, but Darren Prentice hit two free throws and Ogirri missed a three on the ensuing possession. Ogirri popped a three with eight seconds left pull within 71-68, but the Shockers did not get an opportunity to shoot for the tie.
The Shockers outscored New Mexico 49-38 in the second half, but fell short in their attempt to rally from a 33-19 halftime deficit.
