SAN JOSE, Calif., March 19 (UPI) -- Two foul shots by Roman Martinez with 13 seconds left Thursday finally wrapped up New Mexico's 62-57 victory over Montana in the NCAA Tournament's first round.
The third-seeded Lobos opened a 12-point lead in the second half, but Montana twice came within a point before finally running out of steam.
New Mexico had a three-point cushion with 22 seconds left and Dairese Gary on the foul line. Gary, however, missed both attempts to give the Grizzlies a chance to tie it.
Montana chose to try for a quick 2-pointer, but Will Cherry missed a layup and New Mexico claimed the rebound. Martinez then sealed the victory with his foul shots, setting up a second-round meeting with Washington in the East Region.
Martinez hit only 7-of-17 shots from the field, but led the Lobos in scoring with 19 points. Gary added 15 for New Mexico (31-4), which shot just 41 percent from the field.
Montana, which upset Weber State in the finals of the Big Sky Conference tourney to earn its bid, was led by Brian Qvale with 26. The Grizzlies finished with a 22-11 record.
